Kim Jong Un Emphasizes North Korean Military’s Key Role as Nation Celebrates 78th Anniversary of the People’s Army

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the military will play a “very important role” in the next five years, as he joins in celebrations on the 78th anniversary of the founding of the People's Army. It comes ahead of the Labor Party conference later this month.

On February 9, 2026, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un stated that the Korean People's Army will play a very prominent role in the next five years, speaking during a visit to the Ministry of Defense. On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of the founding of the People's Army

News reports indicate that The North Korean leader traveled to the Ministry of Defense. last Sunday To express congratulations on the anniversary of the founding of the army. This visit comes ahead of the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea, which is scheduled to be held at the end of February. Many predict that Mr. Kim will announce important policy directions in the military, diplomacy, and economy for the next five years during the party's general meeting. In addition, it is expected that the North Korean leader has signaled that A new five-year military power development plan will be revealed.

North Korean leaders also assessed that The military will face unprecedented events. and made outstanding achievements last year, adding that this year will be a year of great change in which military missions will expand and require even more effort.

However, in his latest speech Kim did not attack South Korea or the United States. This is different from the attitude in the past. Amidst the still fragile international security situation, while last year he had reiterated his stance on strengthening nuclear power. Ready to accuse the United States that is behind conflicts around the world

On the same occasion, Mr. Kim and senior leaders of the North Korean military also visited to pay their respects at Geumsusan Palace Which is where the bodies of former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il are kept.

Source: Yonhap