Kim Jong Un re-elected as Workers’ Party chief at North Korea party congress

Story by ANI | Posted by Vidushi Gaur | Date 23-02-2026

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

Pyongyang

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) at the ongoing Ninth Party Congress, state media reported on Monday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the congress unanimously decided to re-elect Kim as party chief, citing the “unshakeable” support of party members, citizens and soldiers, and crediting his leadership with strengthening the country’s nuclear-based war deterrence.

“The Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea decides to elect Kim Jong-un as general secretary of the WPK for the development of the party and the prosperity of the state,” KCNA said, as quoted by Yonhap News Agency.

The decision was taken on Sunday, the fourth day of the multi-day congress, which traditionally sets North Korea’s policy direction for the next five years across economic, defence and diplomatic spheres. Party rules require the election of the general secretary during each congress.

The congress praised Kim for building “revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression” and said the country’s war deterrence, centred on nuclear forces, has been “radically improved” despite international sanctions and external pressure.

WPK secretary Ri Il-hwan, addressing the gathering, described Kim as the only leader capable of guiding the country toward prosperity and sustained development, according to KCNA.

State media also reported that revised party rules were adopted, though no details were disclosed. New members were elected to the party’s central committee, with the absence of several senior officials, including Choe Ryong-hae, suggesting a possible reshuffle or generational shift within the leadership.

South Korea’s Ministry of Unification said the congress appeared focused on consolidating Kim’s leadership, while minimising messaging on external relations.

“External messages have been minimised, and information about the meeting has been released at a very limited level,” ministry spokesperson Yoon Min-ho said, Yonhap reported.

The Ninth Party Congress, which began last Thursday, is the country’s highest decision-making body and the first since the Eighth Party Congress held in 2021. The party is expected to announce new five-year policy goals at the conclusion of the meetings.