Where is Kim Ju-ae? Succession question hangs over North Korea’s ruling congress

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Park Chan-kyongFebruary 21, 2026 at 01:00 AM

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North Korea's ruling Workers' Party congress convened in Pyongyang this weekend, marking its first meeting in five years. The event, attended by thousands of delegates and observers, is expected to outline national priorities for the coming years, including defense, inter-Korean relations, and economic policy. Kim Jong-un is anticipated to formalize a dual-track military strategy, simultaneously developing nuclear and conventional forces. He has also hinted at unveiling the "next step" in nuclear war deterrence during the congress. The congress, typically lasting several days, will likely shape North Korea's direction for the remainder of the decade.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% KCNA 30% Korean peninsula 60% Pyongyang ×260% Workers’ Party of Korea ×270% North Korea ×280% Kim Jong-un ×290%

Keywords

north korea 100% kim jong-un 90% ruling party congress 80% military doctrine 70% nuclear forces 60% conventional armed forces 60% inter-korean relations 50% korean peninsula 50% succession 40% workers’ party of korea 40%

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South China Morning Post

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north korea kim jong-un ruling party congress military doctrine nuclear forces conventional armed forces inter-korean relations korean peninsula succession workers’ party of korea

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