Kim Jong-un to be named 'Grand Marshal'... North Korea announces "8th Party Congress to be held in early January next year" (Comprehensive)

Held Party Political Bureau Meeting and Decided to Open the 8th Party Congress
Specific Date Not Disclosed... Likely Before January 10
Focus on Five-Year Economic Plan and Kim Yo-jong's Status Elevation

The Workers' Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the 30th that the 22nd Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party was held on the 29th. The meeting was attended by Chairman Kim Jong Un. Through the meeting, the Political Bureau decided to convene the 8th Party Congress in early January next year (January 1-10).

North Korea has reiterated that it will hold the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party early next year. Although the exact date was not specified again this time, it is expected to take place between January 1 and 10.

On the 30th, North Korea's state media, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported, "The 22nd Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party was held on the 29th at the Party Central Committee headquarters," adding, "The Political Bureau adopted a decision to convene the 8th Party Congress in early January 2021."

Unlike the 7th Party Congress in 2016, no exact opening date was given, only a time frame. The Party Congress usually lasts several days. Considering the New Year's address (January 1), where the supreme leader outlines state affairs, and Kim Jong Un's birthday (January 8), it is difficult to predict the exact timing of the event.

Im Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University's Institute for Far Eastern Studies, said, "Considering that the 7th Party Congress lasted for three nights and four days, it is likely to be held between January 4 and 7, before Kim Jong Un's birthday."

The meeting was chaired by Party Vice Chairman Kim Jae-ryong under Kim Jong Un's leadership, discussing and deciding on preparations and agenda for the 8th Party Congress. Although specific agenda items were not mentioned, it is expected that a new five-year national economic development plan and domestic and foreign policy lines will be established. Reorganization of the Workers' Party apparatus and personnel reshuffles among party cadres are also anticipated.

The agency reported, "Qualification reviews for representatives elected at various levels of the Party organizations were conducted and decided, and the composition plan for the 8th Party Congress executive committee, presidium, and secretariat, as well as the schedule according to the Party Congress agenda, were discussed and finalized," adding, "In-depth research and discussion were held on a series of important issues to be submitted to the 8th Party Congress, and corresponding decisions were adopted."

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies, explained, "Key points to watch at this Party Congress include whether the economic concentration line will continue, the concretization of the five-year economic development plan, the easing of border closures, new unification plans, messages to the United States, and the strengthening of the political status of Kim Jong Un and Kim Yo-jong."

Since Kim Jong Un broke precedent by holding the military parade at midnight on October 10, the 75th anniversary of the Party's founding, attention is focused on whether he will again break tradition with new formats and decisions. Regarding KCNA's statement that "in-depth research and discussion were held on a series of important issues to be submitted to the 8th Party Congress, and corresponding decisions were adopted," Professor Im predicted, "This Congress also signals the possibility of unprecedented and bold decisions."

One of the key points to watch at the 8th Party Congress is the elevation of Kim Yo-jong, the First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party. Although her current official titles remain as a candidate member of the Party Political Bureau and First Deputy Director of the Party, it is anticipated that her official status and position will be elevated at the 8th Party Congress. Kim, the First Deputy Director (red circle at the bottom of the photo), is presumed to have attended this expanded Political Bureau meeting.

Meanwhile, the National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee last month that "at the 8th Party Congress, there may be a restructuring of the power structure to strengthen Kim Jong Un's status and new domestic and foreign strategic lines," and that Kim Jong Un's military rank could be elevated to 'Grand Marshal' level, and Kim Yo-jong's position as First Deputy Director of the Party could be upgraded.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.