Kim Jong Un oversees massive Pyongyang military parade

Kim Jong Un oversaw a large military parade in Pyongyang on February 26, 2026, marking the conclusion of the Workers’ Party congress, held every five years. The event showcased North Korea's military capabilities. During the congress, Kim Jong Un signaled a potential openness to cooperation with the United States, contingent on Washington demonstrating due respect. However, he also appeared to close the door on future talks with South Korea. The parade and the congress served as a platform for Kim to outline North Korea's strategic direction and international relations stance.

At North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party Congress in Pyongyang, Kim Jong Un declared South Korea the "most hostile enemy," threatening its complete destruction if North Korea feels threatened. He dismissed Seoul's efforts to improve relations and outlined plans to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal, including developing advanced ICBMs, AI-driven weapons, and drones. Kim stated North Korea is prepared for either peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation with the U.S., depending on Washington's policy shift. He suggested potential future negotiations with the U.S. if it acknowledges North Korea's status and abandons its confrontational approach. Kim emphasized North Korea's increased international status and commitment to strengthening its nuclear capabilities.

Kim Jong Un, speaking at North Korea's five-yearly party congress in Pyongyang, stated that the US and North Korea could "get along" if the US accepts North Korea's nuclear status and withdraws its "hostile policy." He declared his intent to expand North Korea's nuclear arsenal and operational range, while also dashing hopes for improved relations with South Korea, calling them the North's "most hostile entity." Kim stated that the future of US-North Korea relations depends entirely on the US attitude, and North Korea is ready for either peaceful coexistence or permanent confrontation. Despite international sanctions, North Korea continues to develop its nuclear capabilities, claiming to have radically improved its war deterrence.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un indicated a potential path toward improved relations with the United States. This statement comes as North Korea continues to develop its nuclear arsenal. Kim Jong-un suggested that amicable relations could be possible if Washington accepts North Korea's status as a nuclear weapons state. The statement highlights a key condition for future diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The future of these relations hinges on whether the U.S. is willing to shift its stance on North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated that the future of North Korea-US relations depends on the attitude of the United States. Speaking at the Ninth Workers’ Party congress on Wednesday, Kim said North Korea is prepared for both dialogue and confrontation, leaving the choice to Washington. He indicated that peaceful coexistence is possible if the US respects North Korea's status as a nuclear-armed state. However, Kim warned that Pyongyang would respond proportionally to any continued confrontational approach from the US, vowing to further develop its weapons capabilities, including submarine-launched ICBMs, to strengthen its nuclear arsenal. He emphasized that solidifying North Korea's position as a nuclear weapons state remains the party's unwavering goal.

The North Korean ruling Workers’ Party congress opened on Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Pyongyang. During the meeting, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered a speech where he lauded the country's economy and regional standing. The congress is expected to be a platform for Kim to map out future policy agendas for North Korea. The event was covered by North Korean state media, and the provided images could not be independently verified.

North Korea commenced its Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers' Party (WPK) on Thursday in Pyongyang, a key political event held every five years. The congress will address major policy goals related to defense, diplomacy, and the economy. Kim Jong Un, in his opening speech, prioritized economic development and improving living standards, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The gathering is closely watched for indications of North Korea's nuclear weapons development and its stance towards South Korea and the United States. While Kim did not mention relations with either country, outside experts suggest North Korea's economy is gradually recovering due to increased trade with China and weapons exports to Russia. The congress is expected to last several days.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un opened the Workers’ Party congress, a significant political event held approximately every five years, in Pyongyang on Friday. During his opening speech, Kim pledged to prioritize improving the nation's economy and raising the living standards of its citizens. He acknowledged the "heavy and urgent historic tasks" facing the party, emphasizing the need for active and persistent efforts to transform state and social life. The congress, which directs state efforts on various aspects of North Korean life, offers a rare look into the workings of the secretive nation. This focus on economic development signals a potential shift from the country's long-standing emphasis on military strength, even amidst economic sanctions and food shortages.

China has congratulated North Korea on its ruling party's conclave, hailing economic achievements under Kim Jong-un's leadership and pledging to promote regional peace. The Central Committee of China's Communist Party sent a letter of congratulations, describing the Workers' Party of Korea's ninth congress as "great significance". The meeting marked the first such gathering in five years and was seen as a new historical period in China-North Korea relations. China has always attached importance to developing relations with North Korea and is willing to deepen exchanges. The country wishes the North Korean people continued success in their socialist construction under the party's leadership. This move comes after China and Russia joined together to congratulate North Korea on its economic achievements.