Kim Jong Un Opens Major Party Congress, Emphasizes Economy and State Strengthening

• North Korea's Workers' Party Congress opened in Pyongyang, with Kim Jong Un outlining his domestic and foreign policy agenda.
• Kim emphasized significant economic progress since the 2021 congress and an "irreversible" strengthening of the state's status.
• The congress will likely set new economic goals and plans for expanding North Korea's nuclear-armed military.
• Kim has leveraged Russia's war on Ukraine to advance nuclear capabilities and strengthen ties with Moscow and China.
• South Korea's spy agency is watching for signs Kim might position his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as a potential successor.