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Kim Jong Un Re-elected as North Korea's Party Chief, Hailed for Nuclear Strength

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea during its ongoing party congress. State media credited him with radically improving the country's nuclear-based war deterrence and building armed forces prepared for any form of war. The congress adopted revised party rules and elected new central committee members, with the absence of several senior officials signaling a potential leadership shift. South Korea's government observed that the congress reinforced Kim's internal authority while minimizing messages related to foreign relations.

Key Points: Kim Jong Un Re-elected as North Korea's Ruling Party Chief

  • Kim Jong Un re-elected as WPK general secretary
  • Congress hailed improved nuclear war deterrence
  • Revised party rules adopted, senior officials absent
  • South Korea notes minimized foreign relations messages
3 min read

North Korea's Kim reelected as ruling party chief, hailed for strengthening nuclear deterrence

North Korea's Kim Jong Un re-elected as Workers' Party chief, with state media praising his leadership in strengthening nuclear deterrence and defying sanctions.

"Only Kim Jong-un can guide the trend of gigantic transformation of our cause - Ri Il-hwan"

Pyongyang, February 23

Supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un was reelected as general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea at the ongoing party congress, with state media highlighting his leadership in rapidly advancing the country's nuclear-based war deterrence, Yonhap News Agency reported, citing Korean Central News Agency.

According to the North Korean state media, KCNA, on Monday, "The Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) decides to elect Kim Jong-un as general secretary of the WPK ... for the development of the WPK and the prosperity of the state," citing the "unshakeable" support of party members, citizens, and soldiers.

KCNA stated that the decision was made on Sunday, the fourth day of the multi-day congress, which typically outlines key policy goals for the next five years, including economic, defence, and diplomatic strategies. Party regulations mandate the election of the general secretary at a party congress, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Congress credited Kim with building "the revolutionary armed forces capable of coping with any threat of aggression on their own initiative and fully prepared for any form of war," adding that "the war deterrence of the country with the nuclear forces as its pivot has been radically improved and our state has dynamically advanced in the orbit of prosperity ... despite the stern challenges of history," Yonhap News Agency reported.

Party secretary Ri Il-hwan, speaking at the congress, praised Kim for realising "the dream and ideal for prosperity" and said, "Only Kim Jong-un can guide the trend of gigantic transformation of our cause put on an orbit of leap forward to a steady upturn without halt."

He further noted that North Korea had successfully defied sanctions and become a "formidable" force recognised by adversaries.

The KCNA also reported that the congress adopted revised party rules, though details were not disclosed.

The congress additionally elected new members to the party's central committee. Notably absent from the list were several senior officials, including Choe Ryong-hae, signalling a possible generational shift in leadership, Yonhap News Agency reported.

South Korea's Ministry of Unification said the congress reinforced Kim's leadership while minimising messages on foreign relations.

"External messages have been minimised, while the content of the meeting was being disclosed at the most minimal level," spokesperson Yoon Min-ho said, Yonhap News Agency reported.

The Ninth Party Congress, launched last Thursday, is North Korea's highest decision-making body and the first since the Eighth Party Congress in 2021.

At the conclusion of the meetings, the party is expected to announce new policies for the next five years covering the economy, defence, and diplomacy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's always the same story with North Korea. The supreme leader gets re-elected, nuclear weapons are praised, and the people continue to suffer. Where are the reports on economic development or food security for the common citizen? This cult of personality is dangerous.
R
Rohit P
From an Indian perspective, this shows the failure of sanctions. They claim to have defied them and become "formidable." We've seen how sanctions work (or don't work) in our own neighborhood. Maybe it's time for a different diplomatic approach, focusing on engagement rather than isolation? 🤔
S
Sarah B
The article mentions a "generational shift" with senior officials absent. That's the real story. It's not just about Kim consolidating power, but about who the new players are. This could mean more aggressive posturing or, possibly, a chance for new thinking. The world should watch the new central committee members closely.
V
Vikram M
"Orbit of prosperity" while focusing on nukes? What about the people's prosperity? It's sad. India, despite all its problems, is a democracy where we can at least question our leaders. Their citizens don't have that voice. Our foreign policy should always prioritize human dignity alongside strategic interests.
K
Karthik V
The minimal messaging on foreign relations is telling. They are turning inwards, focusing on military might over diplomacy. This creates a volatile situation for South Korea and Japan, which are important partners for India. Stability in East Asia is crucial for our Act East policy and trade.

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