DPRK leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the expanded meeting of the first plenary meeting of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, DPRK, February 23, 2026. (Photo: KCNA/REUTERS)
DPRK leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the expanded meeting of the first plenary meeting of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, DPRK, February 23, 2026. (Photo: KCNA/REUTERS)

The plenum will review the implementation of policies for 2026, and discuss work in the second half of the year and a number of other issues.

In recent years, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) has typically held plenary meetings in late June and late December, although extraordinary sessions may be convened to address strategic issues when necessary.

Although the meeting is officially described as a regular session to assess socio-economic conditions and outline plans for the remainder of the year, Republic of Korea observers are closely watching for possible new policy directions in relations with the RoK and the United States, and whether the DPRK may adjust its foreign policy strategy amid reports of a possible upcoming visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.