North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has emphasized that "further expanding and strengthening the national nuclear force and thoroughly exercising our status as a nuclear-armed state is the unwavering will of our party."
According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 26th, Kim made these remarks during his "work summary report" delivered on the 20th and 21st, also mentioning that North Korea has "developed more powerful ground- and submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs)." The party congress, which began on the 19th of this month, concluded on the 25th.
Kim also stated, "In a world where the international peace guarantee system has collapsed and military violence is being abused, protecting the survival rights and development rights of the state and people is the most critical national priority," adding that "our military will immediately deliver devastating retaliatory strikes against any military hostile acts by any forces that infringe upon our country's sovereignty and security interests."
The newspaper published photos showing General Secretary Kim standing on the podium with Korean People's Army commanders. His daughter Ju-ae also accompanied him at the event, with multiple images released showing her waving to the crowds and parade units alongside her father.
North Korea held a military parade on the evening of the 25th at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang to commemorate the party congress. The parade featured over 50 marching columns including honorary cavalry units and various military branches, service arms, and specialized units, as well as aerial parade formations. The State Merited Chorus Orchestra provided the musical accompaniment.
Photos of the parade published in the newspaper showed infantry columns, mechanized units, troops presumed to be special forces, and artillery equipment, but large-scale ICBMs and new strategic weapons systems were not observed. The parade appeared to be more of a commemorative event rather than a show of force, with emphasis on elaborate productions including nighttime lighting, fireworks, and large-scale card stunts.