Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
Xi congratulates Kim Jong Un on reelection as North Korea’s party leader
Chinese president expresses hope for ‘new chapter in China-DPRK friendship’ following Ninth Party Congress
February 23, 2026
Kim Jong Un reelected as North Korean party leader, praised for nuke stance
Top official lauds Kim for ensuring country has both ‘candy and bullets’ on day four of Ninth Party Congress
February 23, 2026
Kim Jong Un gives mic to top diplomat, local official on day 3 of Party Congress
North Korea appears to spotlight Russia ties and rural development, while promoting ‘new fighting strategy’ for future
February 22, 2026
North Korea hails ‘remarkable successes’ at day two of Party Congress
Kim Jong Un leads review of ‘great transformations’ over last five years, but state media provides few specifics
February 21, 2026
North Korea starts with Kim Jong Il’s birthday, and ends with a Party (Congress)
A recap of the week in state media, from housing projects and nuclear missiles to a once-in-5-years political meeting
February 20, 2026
As Kim Jong Un’s 5-year weapons plan expires, focus shifts to what comes next
Ninth Party Congress set to announce new military goals, and potentially deployment plans for incomplete systems
February 20, 2026
North Korea trumpets congratulations from Russia, China for Party Congress
Messages from Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese Communist Party signal DPRK’s prioritization of ties with close allies
February 20, 2026
North Korea opens Ninth Party Congress with optimistic message on economy
In speech on opening day, leader Kim Jong Un vows honest review of 'deep-rooted' problems among party members
February 20, 2026
Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison over martial law decree
Seoul court finds ex-president led an insurrection through his purported crackdown on alleged pro-North Korea forces
February 19, 2026
Kim Jong Un vows to ‘open new service sectors’ at launch of construction project
North Korean leader also makes rare admission of overcrowded housing, kicking off mysterious fifth stage of Hwasong area
February 19, 2026
