North Korea announced that it reached significant conclusions regarding preparations for the ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party, expected to convene early next year, during its year-end plenary meeting.
On Thursday, the Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the second day of the 13th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee. The paper stated that Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Party, discussed urgent tasks to be addressed before the 9th Congress and issued key directives related to preparatory work. However, specific details of these directives were not disclosed.
The newspaper also noted that Kim evaluated the implementation of Party and state policies over the past year and assessed the Central Inspection Commission’s work.
Page 2 reported that Kim Jong Un visited the Russian Embassy in North Korea to pay tribute to the late Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora. During the visit, Kim described Matsegora as a capable diplomat who made significant contributions to North Korea-Russia relations. He expressed condolences over the ambassador’s death, calling it a deeply tragic loss.
Page 3 featured a letter sent to Kim on Sunday by the General Association of Korean Residents in China. The letter praised Kim as a central guiding figure of Juche-oriented Korea and as a paternal leader for overseas compatriots in China. It pledged that the organization would unite and serve compatriots selflessly under Kim’s leadership while confronting what it described as imperialist forces, including the United States.
Page 6 reported on the 7th Congress of the General Association of Korean Residents in China held in Shenyang on Sunday. Participants reportedly discussed strengthening the ideological and leadership system within the association and promoting North Korea-China relations.
Page 4 highlighted the rapid construction of over 100 schools, branch schools, and kindergartens in South Pyeongan Province. It promoted local efforts to build new educational institutions and improve facilities to realize the Party’s emphasis on education.
Page 5 emphasized advancements in medical science and technology. It noted that some institutions showed limited progress at the recent National Health Sector Science and Technology Achievement Exhibition 2025 and called on medical officials and researchers to work toward creating a more advanced healthcare environment.