Kim Jong Un Opens North Korea’s Rare Five-Year Party Congress, Pledges Focus on Economic Recovery

North Korea has launched its once-every-five-years ruling party congress, a high-level political gathering that will set major national policy directions on defence, diplomacy and the economy, according to state media.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) opened in Pyongyang on Thursday, marking the country’s most significant political event since the previous congress in 2021.

Describing the opening ceremony as a grand affair, KCNA said the congress is expected to run for several days and will shape the country’s strategic priorities across key sectors.

In his opening address, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un avoided references to relations with South Korea or the United States, instead placing emphasis on domestic economic reforms and social development.

“Ahead of our party are heavy and urgent tasks of advancing economic development and improving people’s livelihoods, and transforming all aspects of social life in the country as quickly as possible,” Kim said, according to KCNA.

South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency reported that the congress will be closely monitored for any signals on Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions or potential diplomatic shifts toward Seoul and Washington, which North Korea considers its principal adversaries.

While the true state of the country’s economy remains difficult to assess, the Associated Press cited outside experts who believe North Korea has experienced a gradual economic recovery. This improvement is attributed to increased post-COVID trade with China and weapons exports linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The congress is expected to provide further clarity on North Korea’s long-term economic strategy and its broader political direction in the coming years.