North Korea plans to convene the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party, which will set the direction for state governance over the next five years, as early as February 20. All eyes are on whether Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Ju Ae, will make an appearance at this party congress, and if Kim will address anything related to the succession structure on February 9th.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that during a meeting on February 7, presided over by Kim, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee unanimously adopted a resolution to hold the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party in Pyongyang, the revolutionary capital, in late February 2026.
Some experts predict that even if Ju Ae, who is being groomed as a potential successor, does not appear, North Korea is likely to formalize strategies that normalize the fourth hereditary succession. This prediction is based on Kim’s self-assessment last September that the issues of inheriting revolutionary traditions and nurturing successors have been successfully resolved.
Kim’s daughter, Ju Ae, May Take Center Stage… The Possibility of Confirming the Fourth Hereditary Succession Could be Addressed
Previously, Ju Ae’s presence alongside Kim during his visit to China for Victory Day celebrations last September was revealed in Rodong Sinmun, fueling speculation about her role as a successor.
Park Young-ja, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, reported that testimonies from North Korean defectors, including former military personnel, indicate that current military generals refer to Ju Ae as the respected daughter and the bright star general. Educational materials also promote her as a computer prodigy who participated in nuclear development, suggesting she will lead future society.
Park stated that this can be interpreted as confirming the basic direction of the succession issue as part of strengthening Kim’s unique leadership system. This will also extend to the North Korean populace, justifying the acceptance of Kim’s child as the next supreme leader.
Park Eun-joo, a researcher at the Institute for Unification Studies, also noted in her report that since last year, Ju Ae has appeared in a manner that deviates from the existing spatial order. Previously, North Korean media typically placed Kim at the center of photographs, with officials maintaining a certain distance. Recently, however, Ju Ae has been seen walking alongside her father or even standing more centrally than him, creating unprecedented scenes.
Ju Ae’s firm grip on Kim’s hand or their cheeks touching breaks from the traditional portrayal of the supreme leader’s authority as a symbol of sanctity in North Korean media. Additionally, the sight of seasoned generals bowing to the young Ju Ae encourages the public to perceive her not as a protected child but as an endorsed leader.
Notably, after her first public appearance in November 2022, Ju Ae visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where the bodies of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are preserved, reigniting discussions about her potential as a successor. Lee Sang-geun, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, observed that Ju Ae’s positioning at the center during Kim’s visit to the mausoleum on January 1 was a deliberate effort by North Korea to showcase her image as a successor.
Furthermore, despite her young age, the fact that Kim takes her along to various domestic and international events suggests he is preparing for any unforeseen circumstances regarding his health. When Kim Jong Il suffered a stroke at a relatively young age in 2008, Kim was only 24 and had no official titles, with most officials and citizens unaware of his existence.
Earlier this year, photographs captured Ju Ae and Kim working together at the construction site of a memorial for Russian soldiers, which analysts interpret as part of her typical successor training aimed at building her image as a compassionate leader. Last April, during the completion ceremony for the third phase of housing in the Hwasong District, Ju Ae interacted directly with North Korean residents, shaking hands and whispering to them.
The National Intelligence Service previously reported to the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee in March 2023 that Ju Ae is receiving homeschooling in Pyongyang rather than attending formal educational institutions, with subjects including horseback riding, swimming, and skiing. In July 2024, they indicated that North Korea is hinting at Ju Ae as a prominent successor and is conducting training for her succession.
However, some believe Ju Ae is too young to assume a role at this time. Born in 2013, she is now 13 years old, and according to Workers’ Party regulations, only those over 18 can join the party.
Kwak Gil-seop, a visiting researcher at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University, pointed out in a report last year that Ju Ae’s public activities, titles, and honors can be staged at any time by North Korea’s propaganda authorities. He added that Kim is still young (born in 1984) to select a successor.
Kwak also noted that Ju Ae is too young, her name has not been officially confirmed, and she holds no titles or distinct symbols. In response to potential sudden changes regarding his safety, Kim established the position of First Secretary of the Party (acting as a deputy to the General Secretary) through amendments to the party’s regulations at the 8th Congress in January 2021. Therefore, there is no reason to make hasty decisions about a successor, especially appointing a daughter in her early teens.
To Be Held in Late February, Not Early–Mid Month… Event Expected to Last 4–5 Days
Meanwhile, the schedule for North Korea’s 9th Congress, confirmed for late February, has been pushed back from the period that experts initially anticipated, early to mid-February. This delay likely aims to maintain a festive atmosphere following the celebrations for Kim Jong Il’s birthday on February 16.
On the same day, the newspaper reported that from January 28 to February 6, a representative meeting of party organizations, including provincial (direct-controlled city) party committees, the cabinet, the Korean People’s Army, the Ministry of Social Security, and the Ministry of Railways, took place. This provincial party representative meeting lasted longer than previous 7th (two days) and 8th Congresses (four days), marking the longest duration in history.
The extended preparation period suggests that North Korea is putting significant effort into organizing the 9th Congress. Experts believe this is especially true given the need to accumulate tangible achievements in economic areas, such as the recent Local Development 20X10 Policy, the construction of 50,000 housing units in Pyongyang, and nationwide rural housing projects.
An analysis of previous congress schedules shows that the 7th Congress was held 10 days after the Politburo meeting report, while the 8th Congress took place 8 days later. This timing accounts for the travel time for elected representatives from across the country to move to Pyongyang, as well as the time required for preliminary meetings and special security preparations.
If the 9th Congress is indeed set for late February, it is likely to start the main session on February 20, at least 12 days after the Politburo meeting report, allowing for 2 to 4 additional days compared to the 7th Congress. The duration of this congress is projected to be 4 to 5 days, similar to the 7th Congress. The 8th Congress, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, was unusually extended to 8 days due to health measures.