North Korea To Hold First Its First Ruling Party Congress In 36 Years

NYT: North Korea to Hold Convention for Workers’ Party

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, which analysts say has grown more powerful under the country’s supreme leader, Kim Jong-un, will hold its first full-fledged party congress since 1980 next year, state-run news media reported on Friday.

The party’s Politburo said the meeting, to be held in May, was needed to strengthen the party’s role under Mr. Kim’s leadership, according to the report from the official Korean Central News Agency. The report provided no additional details of what would be discussed.

Since inheriting the country’s leadership from his father, Kim Jong-il, who died in 2011, Kim Jong-un has tried to cement his control over both the Workers’ Party and the army. His government is struggling to revive a moribund economy while building an arsenal of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles, despite tough penalties from the United Nations.

More News On North Korea Announcing That It Will Hold Its First Ruling Party Congress In 36 Years

North Korea's ruling party to hold highest-level convention in decades next year -- AP
North Korea to hold top-level party congress for first time in 35 years -- The Guardian
North Korea calls first ruling party congress in 36 years -- DW
North Korea announces rare, giant political gathering -- CNN
N.Korea to hold Workers’ Party congress after 36 year hiatus -- NK News
N. Korea's ruling party to hold 1st congress in 36 years in 2016 -- Yonhap News Agency