Thousands gather in Pyongyang. Loyalty pledges made. Nuclear power praised. What signal is Kim sending now?
North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party has re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary, using a rare national congress to spotlight what it described as major advances in the country’s nuclear arsenal.
State media reported Monday that senior military leaders pledged loyalty to Kim during the once-in-five-years gathering in Pyongyang, where thousands of party elites convened to set the country’s political and military direction.
The Korean Central News Agency said the congress praised Kim for “radically” strengthening North Korea’s nuclear forces and transforming the Korean People’s Army into a military prepared for “any form of war.” The message was unmistakable: national defense — anchored in nuclear capability — remains central to Kim’s rule.
The congress, only the ninth in the party’s history, offers rare insight into North Korea’s power structure. Analysts closely monitor seating arrangements and imagery to assess shifting influence within the regime. Attention is also focused on Kim’s teenage daughter, Ju Ae, who has increasingly appeared in state events and is viewed by South Korean intelligence as a potential successor.
Under Kim, North Korea’s nuclear program has evolved from intermittent testing to a more sophisticated weapons enterprise. Though it has not conducted a nuclear test in more than eight years, Pyongyang has worked to miniaturize warheads for long-range missiles. Days before the congress, Kim unveiled what state media described as nuclear-capable rocket launchers.
China’s President Xi Jinping congratulated Kim on opening a “new chapter” in bilateral relations, signaling continued regional backing. Kim has also appeared publicly with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent years, underscoring closer ties amid tensions with Washington.
The congress comes as US President Donald Trump has expressed openness to renewed talks with Kim. At the previous party congress, Kim labeled the United States his country’s “biggest enemy.” Whether he chooses to soften or reinforce that stance in the coming days will be closely watched.
For now, the message from Pyongyang is clear: Kim remains firmly in control — and nuclear power remains
