Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
Roundtable: What we learned from North Korea’s Ninth Party Congress
The NK News team breaks down military messaging, leadership reshuffles, inter-Korean ties and more
February 27, 2026
At Party Congress, Kim Jong Un buries Seoul’s hopes for inter-Korean thaw
North Korea’s new five-year plan leaves no space for reconciliation, turning the screws on Lee Jae Myung’s policies
February 26, 2026
What to make of North Korea’s big plans from the Ninth Party Congress
Kim Jong Un left only a sliver of space for dialogue, while raising the stakes with assertive nuclear posture
February 26, 2026
Expert roundup: What the Ninth Party Congress revealed about North Korea’s plans
Analysts dissect Kim Jong Un’s message to the US, strategy for countering the South and missile-less military parade
February 26, 2026
Seoul to seek peace despite North Korea’s ‘hostility’ at Party Congress: Lee
President signals South Korea will maintain pro-engagement policies after Pyongyang rejects dialogue
February 26, 2026
Anti-satellite weapons, AI tech headline North Korea’s new military wish list
Five-year plan approved at Party Congress features submarine-launched nukes, military satellites, electronic weapons
February 26, 2026
Kim Jong Un leaves door open to talks if US accepts North Korea’s nuclear status
Leader warns DPRK is prepared for both peace and ‘confrontation’ at end of Party Congress, rejects all ties with South
February 26, 2026
North Korea holds post-congress military parade with no weapons procession
Kim Jong Un delivers speech warning enemies of ‘immediate’ retaliatory strikes if sovereignty violated
February 26, 2026
The who’s who on stage with Kim Jong Un at the Ninth Party Congress
NK Pro identifies key figures sitting next to the leader and what it says about North Korea’s priorities in years ahead
February 25, 2026
North Korea rolls out red carpet at military parade venue in final prep
Red decorations and chairs set up in central Pyongyang, a task typically done within 3 days of parade
February 25, 2026
