North Korea's largest political event, the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, opened on January 19. Chairman Kim Jong Un declared that the country has "irreversibly solidified its national status internationally," emphasizing the consolidation of North Korea's nuclear-armed state position. He also cited economic achievements, stating that "everything has changed" — a stark contrast to the 8th Congress, where he acknowledged economic failures, signaling renewed confidence both domestically and abroad.
On January 20, North Korea's Korean Central News Agency reported that the 9th Workers' Party Congress opened the previous day in Pyongyang. In his opening address, Kim stated: "By irreversibly solidifying the nation's status, we have brought about significant changes in the global political landscape and its impact on our country." Given North Korea's longstanding claims that its nuclear-armed status is "irreversibly enshrined in the constitution," his remarks are interpreted as affirming that this status is now firmly established.
Kim's opening address focused on economic achievements without directly mentioning South Korea, the United States, or nuclear weapons. He emphasized that "North Korea's economy has emerged from deterioration and stagnation," adding that "favorable conditions and environments have been created to more vigorously advance socialist construction." Referencing the 8th Party Congress in 2021, where economic failures were acknowledged, Kim asserted: "Five years later, everything has fundamentally changed." This was seen as showcasing North Korea's success in overcoming economic difficulties caused by international sanctions and COVID-19.
Yang Moo-jin, distinguished professor at the University of North Korean Studies, analyzed the opening address: "He expressed optimism and confidence, building on the achievements of the previous congress. This congress emphasizes that it is proceeding on a much more stable foundation, thanks to the completion of nuclear capabilities and solidarity with China and Russia."
The congress was attended by 5,000 delegates, including 224 members of central party organs and 4,776 representatives from regional and functional organizations — similar to the 8th Congress. Given that the 8th Congress lasted eight days and the 7th ran for four days, this congress is expected to continue for approximately one week.
Attention is focused on whether North Korea will formally codify its "two hostile states" doctrine during the congress. Since late 2023, North Korea has defined inter-Korean relations not as a special relationship aimed at unification, but as two separate, mutually hostile states. Of the congress leadership, 23 members (59%) have been replaced compared to the 8th Congress. The exclusion of South Korea specialists, including Kim Yong-chol, advisor to Bureau 10, from the leadership has sparked speculation that Pyongyang intends to entrench this doctrine.
Whether the succession framework for Kim's daughter Ju-ae will become clearer is also being closely watched. On January 12, South Korea's National Intelligence Service stated that "Kim Ju-ae is currently assessed to be in the 'designated successor stage.'" There is speculation that she may be given an official title such as "member of the Party Central Committee" at this congress.