Pyongyang, North Korea – February 26, 2026 — North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong Un has reaffirmed his commitment to significantly bolstering the country's nuclear weapons program, declaring it the "firm will" of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) to expand both the quantity of nuclear warheads and the diversity of delivery systems. The pledge came during closing remarks at the Ninth Congress of the WPK, capped by a large-scale nighttime military parade in Pyongyang on February 25, 2026, where Kim was prominently accompanied by his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae.
State media outlet Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim emphasized Pyongyang's intent to "further expand and strengthen our national nuclear power" and to "thoroughly exercise its status as a nuclear state." He outlined plans to increase the number of nuclear weapons, develop advanced operational means—including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) potentially launchable from submarines—and expand tactical nuclear capabilities such as short-range missiles and artillery systems aimed at regional targets, particularly South Korea. Kim described recent advancements in the nuclear and missile programs as having "permanently cemented" North Korea's position as a nuclear-armed nation.
The remarks were delivered amid the conclusion of the week-long Ninth Congress, the first such gathering in five years and a major political event in the isolated country. Analysts view the congress as a platform for Kim to consolidate power, outline policy directions, and signal continuity in his hardline stance on nuclear deterrence. In addition to nuclear expansion, Kim reiterated that improved relations with the United States would depend entirely on Washington's abandonment of what Pyongyang perceives as "hostile" policies. He presented a binary choice: "peaceful coexistence" if the U.S. recognizes North Korea's nuclear status, or "eternal confrontation" otherwise. This conditional overture leaves open the possibility of dialogue but maintains North Korea's refusal to denuclearize as a precondition for talks.
The event's visual highlight was a grand military parade at Kim Il Sung Square, featuring marching formations of troops under floodlights, accompanied by fighter jet flyovers. State media photographs showed Kim observing from a podium alongside senior military and party officials, with his daughter Kim Ju Ae standing directly beside him. The pair appeared in matching black coats—often described as leather jackets in reports—adding a personal, dynastic element to the display of military might. While specific hardware on display was not detailed in initial KCNA dispatches, the parade served as a show of force following the congress's policy announcements.
Kim Ju Ae's presence has intensified speculation about succession in the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding in 1948. Believed to be around 13 years old, Ju Ae has made increasingly frequent public appearances since her debut at a missile launch in November 2022. South Korean intelligence assessments, shared with lawmakers earlier in February 2026, indicate she is being positioned as the heir apparent, potentially elevated to a de facto leadership role in areas like the Missile Administration overseeing nuclear forces. Her attendance at high-profile events, including this parade, factory inspections, and even international trips, suggests grooming for future responsibilities. Analysts note that her visibility reinforces the regime's message that nuclear capabilities will endure across generations.
The parade and congress occur against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions. North Korea has accelerated weapons testing in recent years, including solid-fuel ICBMs and tactical nuclear systems, drawing condemnation from the United States, South Korea, and Japan. Kim's vows align with prior statements framing nuclear strength as essential for deterrence against perceived threats. Reports indicate no major new missile systems were prominently showcased, possibly to focus attention on policy rhetoric rather than hardware revelations.
International reactions have been swift. U.S. officials and allies expressed concern over the explicit commitment to nuclear buildup, viewing it as a rejection of denuclearization efforts. Some observers note Kim's conditional language on U.S. relations as a tactical opening, potentially timed amid shifting global dynamics, including U.S. domestic politics. South Korea's National Intelligence Service continues to monitor Ju Ae's role closely, seeing it as a sign of regime stability planning.
North Korea's nuclear program remains a core pillar of state ideology under Kim Jong Un, who has prioritized it since assuming power in 2011. The latest pledges build on years of development, with Pyongyang claiming operational nuclear status since 2017. The event underscores the regime's defiance of international sanctions and pressure, while using public spectacles to project strength domestically and abroad.
As images of Kim and his daughter at the parade circulate via state media and global outlets, the display serves dual purposes: reaffirming nuclear ambitions and hinting at dynastic continuity. The full implications for regional security and diplomacy will unfold in the coming months, as Pyongyang pushes forward with its declared nuclear expansion plans.
