North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, according to a press release from the country’s state media.
The decision was announced on Monday by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which said the party formally adopted the measure on February 22 during its ninth congress.
KCNA described the move as reflecting the “unanimous desire” of party members, the military and the public, praising Kim as the “center of unity and leadership” and crediting him with strengthening the country’s nuclear deterrent and promoting economic and military development.
The lengthy statement highlighted the country’s achievements over the past five years, including improvements in national defense capabilities and economic planning.
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In this North Korean government photo, leader Kim Jong Un claps after being re-elected to the top position of the ruling Workers’ Party during the Pyongyang congress on February 22, 2026. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
It also confirmed Kim’s role as a leading figure in the country’s “socialist construction.”
Kim, who has been in power since 2011, has been general secretary of the Workers’ Party since 2021, when he formally assumed the title previously held by his late father, Kim Jong Il.
An analysis from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) suggests that North Korea could use the conclusion of the Ninth Party Congress to unveil new strategic weapons and highlight progress under its 2021-2025 military modernization plan.
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In this photo provided by the North Korean government, leader Kim Jong Un attends the ruling Workers’ Party Congress in Pyongyang on February 22, 2026. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)
The report notes that Pyongyang may show advances in intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles and hypersonic hover vehicles as the country seeks to improve the survivability and accuracy of its nuclear capabilities.
AEI assessed that Kim is also likely to outline modernization goals for the 2026-2030 period, potentially emphasizing second-strike capabilities, faster launch readiness and more diverse delivery systems.
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Military issues aside, the analysis says Kim could view the current five-year economic plan as a success, pointing to increased trade with Russia and China and efforts under his ’20×10 Regional Development Policy’ to reduce rural-urban inequality.
