KCNA, Yonhap News

North Korea concluded its Party Plenary Meeting on December 11, which was held from December 9 to prepare for the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, scheduled for early next year.

KCNA reported on December 12, "The 13th Enlarged Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held from December 9 to 11, 2025."

According to KCNA, Chairman Kim Jong Un delivered a "programmatic conclusion" on the meeting's agenda, evaluating the implementation of Party and state policies for the year and outlining major achievements.

Details regarding Kim Jong Un's evaluation of this year's foreign policy, including relations with the United States and South Korea, and his perception of the current external environment were not specifically disclosed.

However, he stated, "In accordance with our Party's modernization policy for all components of the nation's defense capabilities, many issues have been effectively and correctly resolved for the security, defense, and interests of our country amidst global geopolitical and technological changes, and we are moving in the right direction of development."

This is interpreted as a reaffirmation of the validity of North Korea's direction of strengthening its defense capabilities, including the enhancement of nuclear capabilities and modernization of conventional forces, amidst global geopolitical shifts.

Kim Jong Un also reiterated the legitimacy of sending troops to Russia's Kursk, stating, "The brilliant achievements made by various units of our army in overseas military operations over the past year have demonstrated to the world the reputation of our army and country as an invincible force and a true defender of international justice."

North Korea, Party Plenary Meeting Concludes. KCNA, Yonhap News

He summarized the year's state affairs as "accelerated pace of progress, doubled self-reliance" and a "year of historic transition," and announced "measures for organizational and political work" to prepare for the 9th Party Congress.

In particular, he raised the issue of "completing important projects left unfinished before the convocation of the 9th Party Congress," indicating a push to finalize construction projects designated as national goals.

In line with its "Local Development 20x10 Policy," a key initiative to reduce the urban-rural gap, North Korea has also confirmed 20 cities and counties where construction projects will be carried out next year. Furthermore, it announced that it would "launch another new front to transform even coal mining areas."

During this meeting, Kim Jong Un also pointed out "flaws and shortcomings that need to be rectified."

KCNA reported, "Factors creating artificial obstacles to the development of the revolution were analyzed, and the erroneous ideological viewpoints and inactive and irresponsible work attitudes of some leading officials and responsible workers were severely criticized."

Additionally, "organizational matters" were discussed, and one member of the Party Central Committee and five candidate members of the Party Central Committee were recalled, leading to speculation that these individuals may be those responsible for areas that received internal criticism during the plenary meeting.

North Korea, Party Plenary Meeting Concludes. KCNA, Yonhap News 

Moreover, in relation to the preparations for the 9th Party Congress, the issue of "drafting amendments to the Party Rules to be submitted for the Party Congress's approval" was mentioned, suggesting that amendments to the Party Rules will be definitively pursued. There is interest in whether the amendments will be made to codify concepts such as the "theory of two hostile states."

North Korea typically holds its Party Plenary Meeting to conclude the year in late December for five to six days. However, this plenary meeting was held for a relatively short period of three days in early to mid-December. Details, including Kim Jong Un's "conclusion," were also reported only in a summary without specific disclosure.

This plenary meeting appears to have been held primarily to prepare for the 9th Party Congress, with the understanding that future policy lines will be substantially unveiled at the Congress itself.

Jang Eun-jeong, Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, stated at a regular briefing, "There were no separate messages towards South Korea or foreign countries, and it appears the focus was on domestic messages, such as evaluating the achievements of 2025 and emphasizing preparations for the 9th Party Congress."