North Korea to Hold Ninth Party Congress as Kim Jong Un Resets 2025 Goals

The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) held an Enlarged Meeting of its Twelfth Plenary Session of the Eighth Central Committee from June 21 to 23, led by General Secretary Kim Jong Un.

The gathering reviewed national progress during the first half of the year and set strategic directions for the months ahead, focusing on economic revitalization, state policy refinement, and party organizational reform.

The plenary was convened at a critical moment, as the Party aims to ensure that 2025 marks a historic phase in national development. Discussions highlighted the successes achieved across key areas, including the economy, politics, defense, science, education, and culture.

 The WPK praised the accomplishments of the first half of the year, noting a clear momentum in national construction and policy execution aligned with the vision established at the Eighth Party Congress.

Kim Jong Un delivered a major address, stressing the need for bold but realistic strategic adjustments in response to both internal progress and shifting external dynamics.

His speech set the tone for updated priorities that build on achievements, confront challenges, and drive forward the nation's long-term development goals. The meeting approved a series of policy adjustments designed to intensify economic modernization, industrial growth, and comprehensive structural improvements in governance.

A major decision was the unanimous approval to convene the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea, a move anticipated to be a turning point in the party’s future. Organizational improvements were also addressed, particularly efforts to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of basic Party units, with an emphasis on aligning Party structure with new-era development goals.

In parallel, sector-specific meetings were held to align operational plans with the plenary's directives. These meetings are part of broader preparations for upcoming national milestones, including the 80th anniversaries of Korea’s liberation and the WPK’s founding.

Leaders emphasized that these events should coincide with tangible progress toward the goals set for the Ninth Party Congress, seen as a defining moment for the WPK’s trajectory.

The Political Bureau convened its 25th meeting to finalize the draft resolutions and strategic directions discussed. These decisions were unanimously adopted by the plenary and are now being distributed across Party organizations as official internal guidance.