North Korea's state-run news source, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), has reported that the North will convene its Political Bureau in early September to elect the party's highest rung of leadership.

The Politburo is comprised of members of the North’s Workers' Party of Korea or candidates for the body. It has been 44 years since the last gathering was last held in 1966.

Therefore, North Korea watchers predict that Pyongyang will overhaul its Workers’ Party, which has been effectively moribund since the Workers' Party convention in 1980. Analysts also speculate that it may be to officially name Kim Jung-un the heir to Kim Jong-il.

During the 1980 convention, Kim Jong-il was named to three important posts, including the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Military Commission. The promotions distinguished him as heir to his father Kim Il-sung, who is the founder of North Korea.