Kim vows stronger military role over next five years ahead of key party congress
By Song Yoon-seoPosted : February 9, 2026, 10:16Updated : February 9, 2026, 10:48
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends an event marking the 78th anniversary of the Korean People's Army's founding in Pyongyang on Feb. 8, 2026, in this photo released by the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency the following day.
SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised the "victorious journey" of the country's military, state media reported on Monday.
According to the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency, Kim attended an event marking the 78th anniversary of the military's founding the previous day along with top Workers' Party officials and senior military brass.
Kim said, "In looking back upon the victorious journey of our army over the past turbulent five years as it has always been since its founding, today's glory would never be conceivable separated from the enormous role our army has played."
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (center) attends an event marking the 78th anniversary of the Korean People's Army's founding in Pyongyang on Feb. 8, 2026, in this photo released by the state-run [North] Korean Central News Agency the following day.
"Last year was a year especially filled with unheard-of dramatic events and distinguished feats that could be performed only by our army," he praised, apparently intended to highlight achievements before the key party congress, where he is expected to unveil the country's major military and economic policies and plans for the upcoming five years.
He then touted the military's strength, saying the next five years will be "years when our army's outstanding role that no one else can perform will become further enhanced."
The country's ninth key party gathering is expected to be held late this month.
