Kim Jong Un has been re-appointed as the General Secretary of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. The announcement by the party congress confirms his continued leadership of the dictatorship, which his family has controlled since the late 1940s.
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State media reported that under Kim's leadership, North Korea has "radically improved" its "war deterrence," with nuclear forces as the central element. Despite international sanctions, the nation has pursued nuclear capabilities and tested intercontinental missiles. The regime's secrecy makes independent evaluation of its military progress challenging.
Kim, who assumed leadership in 2011, has prioritized the nuclear weapons program, presenting a significant challenge to Western nations, particularly the United States. He is expected to outline the next phase of the country's weapons development during the ongoing congress. Recently, North Korea displayed what it described as nuclear-capable rocket launchers.
The congress, a key political event held every five years, offers insight into North Korea's priorities, including foreign policy and nuclear ambitions. While Kim remains in power, over half of the 39 members of the party congress's executive committee have been replaced since the last meeting in 2021.
In his opening speech, Kim pledged to boost the economy and improve the standard of living for citizens. Attention is also focused on the potential appearance of Kim's daughter, Ju Ae, who is believed to be 13. South Korean intelligence suggests she has been chosen as his heir and has become more prominent at official events.