On Feb. 22, 2026, North Korea's Workers' Party Congress reelected Kim Jong Un as general secretary during its Ninth Congress, which began Feb. 19. This is a procedural requirement under party rules at each five-year congress — Kim has held the party's top post since 2011, though the title has changed (first secretary in 2011, chairman in 2016, general secretary since 2021). State media described the decision as reflecting unanimous support and credited Kim with strengthening nuclear capabilities.
The congress is North Korea's highest decision-making body and typically concludes with announcements of five-year policy goals covering economy, defense, and diplomacy. Kim Yo Jong, Kim's sister, was promoted from vice-director to director of a party department. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent congratulations and expressed hope for strengthened bilateral relations.
A South Korean newspaper reported, citing unnamed intelligence sources, that Kim's daughter (previously thought to be named Ju Ae, now allegedly "Ju Hye") holds a position as "missile general director." South Korean intelligence has assessed she is being prepared as successor. However, North Korean state media has never publicly named the daughter or confirmed any official role. She has appeared at public events since 2022 but has not attended this congress. The intelligence claim remains unverified and represents speculation about internal North Korean succession planning rather than confirmed fact.