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North Korea's 5-Year Party Congress Schedule Still Unannounced Amid Speculation

North Korea has not announced the schedule for its upcoming Workers' Party congress, the first in five years, which will set major policy directions. South Korean intelligence predicts it may occur in early February, but the exact date remains unconfirmed as North Korean media has not provided coverage. Historically, the regime announces such congresses only a few days before they begin, with preliminary procedures like electing representatives signaling the event. Recent actions include leader Kim Jong-un dismissing officials and publicizing economic projects ahead of the congress.

Key Points: North Korea's Party Congress Schedule Unclear, Expected in February

  • First party congress in five years
  • Expected to set long-term policy visions
  • Seoul predicts early February timing
  • Media announcement typically days before
  • Recent focus on official discipline and projects
2 min read

North Korea yet to announce schedule for first party congress in five years

North Korea has not announced the schedule for its first party congress in five years, with Seoul predicting an early February event amid media silence.

"the key event is likely to take place in early February, but the exact schedule remains unclear - Seoul officials"

Seoul, Jan 23

North Korea has yet to announce the schedule for its upcoming party congress, which would be its first in five years, amid speculation in Seoul that the event may take place next month.

Last month, the North convened a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea as part of preparations for the once-every-five-years party congress, at which the country is expected to set long-term policy visions for the economy, foreign policy and other areas.

Results from the congress, the highest decision-making body in the North, will determine the country's major policy lines for the next five years, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Seoul's National Intelligence Service and government officials have predicted the key event is likely to take place in early February, but the exact schedule remains unclear amid a lack of related coverage in North Korean media.

In the past, North Korean media announced the start of party congresses only a few days before they began.

They announced the seventh congress, which convened on May 6, 2016, nine days in advance, while the eighth congress in early January of 2021 was announce about a week beforehand.

Ahead of the 2016 and 2021 congresses, the North also reported on preliminary procedures for such party events, including the election of regional representatives to attend them, signaling, albeit indirectly, the impending congresses.

If the ninth congress takes place in early February as predicted, the North is likely to report on related preparatory steps in the coming days or weeks, including a meeting of the party's Politburo to set the schedule for the congress or the election of representatives to attend it.

In the run-up to the upcoming congress, the North has dialed up discipline among government officials, while publicizing results from the party's economic development plans.

While attending a public event at a machinery plant earlier this week, leader Kim Jong-un dismissed the vice premier in charge of the machinery industry, accusing him of "irresponsibility." He has also made back-to-back public appearances inspecting or inaugurating construction projects under his signature regional development policy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The secrecy is typical, but firing a vice premier for "irresponsibility" just before the congress sends a strong message internally. It's a classic move to tighten discipline. Makes you appreciate our own democratic processes, even with all the chaos! 😅
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Priya S
As an Indian, my main concern is how this affects regional security. North Korea's alliances and foreign policy shifts can create ripple effects. Our government needs to watch this closely, especially regarding any potential arms deals that could destabilize Asia.
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Rohit P
The article mentions publicizing economic results. I wonder if there's any real development for the common people there or if it's just for show. In India, we at least have debates and data (even if contested) about our growth. Their system is a complete black box.
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Aman W
Respectfully, while we critique North Korea's secrecy, we must also look inward. Our own political party conferences and big announcements can sometimes be stage-managed too. The difference in degree is vast, but the desire to control the narrative exists everywhere.
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Nisha Z
The timing around early February is curious. Maybe they want to make a big announcement before the Lunar New Year? Whatever they decide, the common citizens are the ones who bear the brunt of these high-level policy shifts. Feel for them. 🙏

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