North Korea's Ruling Elite Prepares for Party Congress Amid Tensions
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and top officials are convening to prepare for the ruling party's first full congress in five years. The meeting, reported by state media, aims to set new priorities as the U.S. and South Korea seek to resume talks with North Korea. The congress, revived by Kim in 2016 after a long hiatus, is expected to occur in early 2026. Observers are keen to see if Kim will respond to diplomatic overtures from the U.S. and South Korea, especially after the collapse of nuclear talks with President Trump in 2019. Meanwhile, North Korea has conducted artillery exercises, which are seen as part of its military training. 
