By Dalena Reporters l January 1, 2026
PYONGYANG / SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over New Year’s celebrations in Pyongyang on January 1, 2026, as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea ushered in the new year with patriotic displays and state-orchestrated events aimed at fostering domestic unity ahead of a pivotal Workers’ Party Congress scheduled for early 2026. The festivities, as reported by state media KCNA, included fireworks, traditional songs and dances, and martial arts demonstrations, with Kim emphasizing national achievements from 2025 and calling for continued solidarity among the populace.
Images and official descriptions released by KCNA showed Kim attending the celebrations alongside his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whom some analysts regard as a potential successor. Photographs depicted the two interacting warmly with children and seated together during the evening’s performances, reinforcing public narratives of domestic stability and leadership continuity.
In his New Year address, Kim lauded “successes and phenomenal changes” achieved by the nation in the past year, framing 2025 as a period of significant progress. He also used the occasion to underscore the importance of unity as North Korea prepares for its 9th Party Congress, an event expected to outline strategic policy directions for the next five years in areas including economic reform, technological development, and defence capabilities.
Beyond domestic themes, Kim’s New Year message carried a foreign policy dimension: he extended greetings and encouragement to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, calling these fighters a “greatest strength and pride” of the country and expressing eagerness for their safe return home. His remarks included the rallying exhortation “Be brave. Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow,” reflecting Pyongyang’s public alignment with Moscow’s military efforts abroad.
State media also noted that Kim received New Year greetings from several global leaders, including from China’s president and first lady, though specific names were not detailed in the official dispatch.
The celebrations in Pyongyang featured not only political rhetoric but also symbolic cultural elements including displays of taekwondo, musical performances and festive fireworks designed to project an image of unity and resilience to both domestic audiences and external observers.
Analysts say the timing of these celebrations, taking place as North Korea heads toward a key party congress, is significant. The institutional gathering will set the nation’s priorities across military, economic, and diplomatic arenas for years to come, and public events such as these are often used by Pyongyang to shore up internal cohesion ahead of major political milestones.