Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
South Korea denies skipping US-Japan air drills aimed at deterring North Korea
Media report claimed Seoul declined to participate due to territorial dispute and overlap with Lunar New Year
February 23, 2026
Why North Korea won’t stop talking about Kim Jong Un’s ‘five-point line’
Move to enshrine doctrine at Party Congress appears aimed at ensuring officials bend to the leader’s will
February 23, 2026
Top aide to Kim Jong Un cut from key post amid reshuffle of veteran officials
Removal of North Korean parliamentary chief Choe Ryong Hae from Central Committee suggests shift to younger cadres
February 23, 2026
Xi congratulates Kim Jong Un on reelection as North Korea’s party leader
Chinese president expresses hope for ‘new chapter in China-DPRK friendship’ following Ninth Party Congress
February 23, 2026
Kim Jong Un reelected as North Korean party leader, praised for nuke stance
Top official lauds Kim for ensuring country has both ‘candy and bullets’ on day four of Ninth Party Congress
February 23, 2026
Kim Jong Un gives mic to top diplomat, local official on day 3 of Party Congress
North Korea appears to spotlight Russia ties and rural development, while promoting ‘new fighting strategy’ for future
February 22, 2026
North Korea hails ‘remarkable successes’ at day two of Party Congress
Kim Jong Un leads review of ‘great transformations’ over last five years, but state media provides few specifics
February 21, 2026
North Korea starts with Kim Jong Il’s birthday, and ends with a Party (Congress)
A recap of the week in state media, from housing projects and nuclear missiles to a once-in-5-years political meeting
February 20, 2026
As Kim Jong Un’s 5-year weapons plan expires, focus shifts to what comes next
Ninth Party Congress set to announce new military goals, and potentially deployment plans for incomplete systems
February 20, 2026
North Korea trumpets congratulations from Russia, China for Party Congress
Messages from Dmitry Medvedev and Chinese Communist Party signal DPRK’s prioritization of ties with close allies
February 20, 2026
