First Workers' Party Congress in Nearly 40 Years

In May 2016, North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) held its first party congress in 36 years, a major political event that further cemented Kim Jong-un’s power. During the congress, Kim was officially elected as the Chairman of the Workers’ Party, solidifying his control over both the party and the state. The last such gathering had taken place in 1980, under Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung. The 7th Congress of the Workers' Party was a key moment for Kim Jong-un, allowing him to showcase his leadership and North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, which he declared as an essential pillar of national defense. During the event, Kim also introduced a new five-year economic plan, though it largely emphasized self-reliance (Juche ideology) rather than any significant economic reforms. The congress reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to nuclear development, despite international sanctions and increasing diplomatic isolation. This congress was a symbolic milestone, demonstrating Kim’s consolidation of power since taking over after his father, Kim Jong-il, died in 2011. It also marked the beginning of a more assertive and militarized North Korean policy in the years that followed. #NorthKorea #KimJongUn #WorkersParty #PoliticalPower #WPK #NuclearPolicy #MomentsOfLife #MoofLife_Moment #MoofLife