Reelected Leader Signals Expanding Missile Program While Economy Struggles Under Sanctions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been reelected as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea during a rare party congress, according to state media reports cited by AFP. The decision, announced on the fourth day of the gathering, was described by the Korean Central News Agency as reflecting the unanimous will of party delegates.
The congress, convened only once every five years, offers one of the few public glimpses into the inner workings of one of the world’s most secretive regimes. This year’s session comes amid intensified weapons development and persistent economic strain caused by international sanctions.
State media emphasized that under Kim’s leadership, North Korea’s war deterrence has been “radically improved,” placing nuclear forces at the center of national defense strategy. In recent weeks, Kim personally oversaw test flights of hypersonic missiles and supervised a long-range strategic cruise missile drill. The regime has also released images suggesting progress on what it claims to be its first nuclear-powered submarine.
During his opening address, Kim acknowledged ongoing economic challenges and called for improved living standards and stronger economic performance. Since assuming power in 2011, he has sought to balance military expansion with domestic development, though analysts note that nuclear and missile programs continue to receive priority. At the previous congress in 2021, Kim made a rare admission of shortcomings across multiple sectors of the economy.
Observers are closely watching whether the congress will outline a new diplomatic posture toward the United States. Relations have remained tense since the collapse of nuclear negotiations during the presidency of Donald Trump, who met Kim three times between 2017 and 2021. Despite those unprecedented summits, talks failed to yield a lasting agreement. While Kim recently stated he has “good memories” of Trump, he has simultaneously declared that North Korea will never relinquish its nuclear weapons.
The ninth Workers’ Party congress under the Kim family underscores the regime’s continuity and centralized authority, even as external pressures mount. With missile production described by Kim as paramount to national security, the coming months may reveal whether Pyongyang pursues renewed diplomacy or further escalates its strategic weapons program.
