North Korea’s Kim Jong Un re-elected as ruling party leader

North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

The decision was announced on Monday by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which said the party formally adopted the measure on Feb. 22 during its Ninth Congress.

The report cited nuclear and missile development and the economy as reasons for the decision. It said the war deterrence of the country with “nuclear forces as its pivot” has been radically improved under Kim.

The media outlet also reported a revision of party rules without specifying what has changed.

The report also said the congress selected the party’s central committee members, but it did not include some names, such as Choe Ryong Hae, the chair of the standing committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly.

Some South Korean experts speculate that a new generation might be taking over in the party’s leadership.

Kim, who has been in power since 2011, has served as general secretary of the Workers’ Party since 2021, when he formally assumed the title previously held by his late father, Kim Jong Il.

The report notes Pyongyang may showcase advances in intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and hypersonic glide vehicles as it seeks to improve the survivability and accuracy of its nuclear capabilities.

An analysis by the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) suggests North Korea could use the conclusion of the Ninth Party Congress to unveil new strategic weapons and highlight progress under its 2021–2025 military modernization plan.

AEI assessed that Kim is also likely to outline modernization goals for the 2026–2030 period, potentially emphasizing second-strike capabilities, faster launch readiness, and more diverse delivery systems.