North Korea's 9th Party Congress Set for Early February?

North Korea has yet to reveal the schedule for its upcoming ninth Workers’ Party Congress, which would be the country’s first such gathering in five years. The congress, held once every five years, is the highest decision-making body in the country and is expected to outline long-term policy directions on the economy, foreign affairs, and governance.

Speculation in South Korea suggests the event could take place in early February. Seoul’s National Intelligence Service and government officials have indicated that preparations appear to be underway, even though North Korean state media has not yet published any formal announcement regarding dates or venues.

Last month, Pyongyang convened a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea, widely viewed as a preparatory step toward the congress. Similar meetings have preceded past congresses and are typically used to assess existing policies and lay the groundwork for future national strategies.

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Historically, North Korea announces party congresses only days before they begin. The seventh congress in 2016 was announced nine days in advance, while the eighth congress in January 2021 was made public roughly a week prior. Ahead of those events, state media also reported indirect signals such as elections of regional representatives.

In recent weeks, the regime has intensified internal discipline and highlighted economic performance, further fueling expectations of an imminent congress. Leader Kim Jong-un has publicly reprimanded senior officials, including the dismissal of a vice premier overseeing the machinery sector, while simultaneously promoting major construction and regional development projects.

If the congress is indeed held in early February, observers expect North Korean media to soon report on final preparatory steps, including Politburo meetings and the selection of party delegates. The outcomes of the congress will likely shape Pyongyang’s policy trajectory for the next five years and offer important clues about its domestic and foreign priorities.

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