• Kim Jong Un opens the Ninth Party Congress focusing on economic reform and living standards.
• The congress is the most significant political event in North Korea since 2021.
• Kim claims North Korea has developed a "big change" despite facing severe international sanctions.
• Attendees are monitoring potential leadership shifts and military developments.
• Speculation arises regarding Kim's daughter Ju Ae's future role in the regime.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened the Ninth Party Congress, the country’s significant political event held every five years, on February 19, 2026. In his opening speech, he discussed the necessity of overcoming economic challenges and improving the public's living standards, claiming that North Korea has made "significant accomplishments" in various sectors over the past five years, including politics and diplomacy, despite a backdrop of sanctions and economic strife, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The true state of North Korea's economy remains hard to evaluate; however, analysts have noted signs of gradual recovery linked to increased trade with China and military exports to Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. During his address, Kim urged a shift towards enhancing economic growth and improving the standard of living, saying, "This requires us to wage a more active and persistent struggle without allowing even a moment's standstill or stagnation," emphasizing a commitment to transform all realms of state and society, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

As part of the congress proceedings, which gather around 5,000 party representatives, attention is particularly focused on Kim's acknowledgement of prior economic mistakes and his rhetorical shift away from military-first policies. Kim previously admitted to "mistakes in almost all areas" of the economy, illustrating a dedication to rectifying these oversights while simultaneously pursuing the development of the nation’s military capabilities, according to Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.

In the context of international relations, observers are closely watching for any policy shifts regarding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, which Kim indicated would be a significant topic at this congress. Although he has previously asserted that the United States is the nation’s “biggest enemy,” analysts speculate on potential changes to this long-standing position, especially with the current geopolitical climate involving other nations, especially Russia and China, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

The political climate surrounding the congress is also marked by speculation regarding Kim's daughter, Ju Ae, who many analysts believe may be being positioned as a potential heir. Her visibility during the congress and possible formal designation are subjects of significant interest, suggesting further consolidation of power within the ruling family, according to South China Morning Post and Al Jazeera.