The South Korean government forecasts that the rare congress of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party set to be held next month could be downsized due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Unification Ministry said on Thursday that the Eighth Party Congress could be smaller than the three-thousand-667 representatives and one-thousand-387 spectators who attended the previous meeting in 2016.

The upcoming congress is expected to be held at Pyongyang's April 25 House of Culture, the same venue as in 2016, considering the estimated number of participants and that it is the winter season.

Despite COVID-19, the ministry said the North may proceed with a rally before or after the congress, its size similar to one held when the ruling party celebrated the 75th anniversary of its foundation in October.

Seoul projected that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's status could be elevated and that a new position may be given to his powerful sister Kim Yo-jong at the congress.

Pyongyang will likely put forth a new five-year economic development plan, with attention drawn to whether it will express a resolve to cooperate with Seoul, Washington and the international community.