Finance
North Korea's Kim reviews country's progress at key party congress
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 20, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 20, 2026
Tags:emerging markets
Quick Summary
Kim Jong Un is reviewing five years of progress at North Korea’s Ninth Workers’ Party congress with 5,000 delegates in Pyongyang. KCNA flags policy updates and possible military displays as proceedings continue.
Kim Jong Un Reviews North Korea’s Five-Year Progress at Party Congress
Economic and Policy Highlights from the WPK Ninth Congress
SEOUL, Feb 21 (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un began reviewing the country's progress in the past five years that brought "great transformation" during the second day of a key party congress, state media KCNA said on Saturday.
Congress Timing and Role
North Korea's Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party opened on Thursday and is expected to last a few days. As the country's biggest political event held every five years, it sets policy and can bring changes in leadership roles beneath supreme commander Kim.
Politics, Economy, Culture, Defence, Diplomacy
Successes Highlighted by KCNA
North Korea's ruling party hailed "remarkable successes" in fields such as politics, economy, culture, defence, diplomacy under Kim's rule during the past five years, KCNA said.
Focus on Unspecified Shortcomings
The ruling party's Central Committee focused on finding shortcomings first before focusing on successes, KCNA said, but did not mention what the shortcomings were.
No major foreign dignitaries mentioned
Attendance and External Messages
KCNA said on Friday that 5,000 members of the ruling Workers' Party are attending the meeting. There was no mention of major foreign dignitaries attending, although KCNA noted congratulatory letters were sent from Russia, China, Vietnam and Laos.
Expected Parade and Weapons Goals
North Korea is expected to showcase military capabilities at a parade and weapons development goals as part of the meeting.
(Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Key Takeaways
- •Kim Jong Un reviewed the country’s past five years, calling it a period of major transformation.
- •The Ninth Workers’ Party congress opened on Thursday and continues into the weekend.
- •KCNA says the party first examined shortcomings before highlighting successes.
- •Around 5,000 party delegates are attending; foreign dignitaries were not noted.
- •Policy signals include potential military parade and weapons development goals.
Frequently Asked Questions about North Korea's Kim reviews country's progress at key party congress
1What is the main topic?
North Korea’s Ninth Workers’ Party congress, where Kim Jong Un is reviewing five years of national progress and outlining policy priorities.
2How many delegates are attending?
KCNA reported about 5,000 party delegates are attending the congress in Pyongyang.
3Why does this matter for finance and markets?
Policy signals on the economy, defense, and sanctions posture can affect regional risk, trade flows, and investor sentiment toward Asia-Pacific markets.
