North Korea wrapped up its seventh Workers’ Party of Korea Congress on Monday.

The first of its kind in 36 years, the four-day congress drew much attention from outsiders, as they fumbled for any indication of change happening in the reclusive regime.

During the event, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed the dual pursuit of nuclear and economic developments as his ruling party's official strategy.

He noted that it is not a temporary response to fast-changing political situations, but a strategic line that his country will pursue permanently.

He also declared that the North is a nuclear state, and it will not preemptively use an atomic weapon unless its sovereignty is violated.

The event also served as a sort of coronation ceremony for Kim, as he was named Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea.


Thousands of North Koreans cheered when Kim appeared during a mass rally in Pyongyang on Tuesday, along with his newly elected standing committee members, Kim Yong-nam, Hwang Pyong-so, Choe Ryong-hae and Pak Pong-ju.

The South Korean government assessed that the North Korean congress has solidified Kim’s monolithic leadership system.

The title "Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea” was previously held by Kim's grandfather and North Korean founder Kim Il-sung.

With the revival of the title, the junior Kim is believed to be ushering in the era in which the party takes precedence over the military.

His father Kim Jong-il, on the other hand, implemented a military-first policy.

It also raises speculations that Kim Jong-un will try to emulate some of the policies or directions taken by his grandfather as he continues to follow in his footsteps.

In the beginning, Kim Jong-un’s efforts to copy Kim Il-sung were viewed by many outsiders as a desperate move to cast off doubts over his untested leadership, but now some pundits are sensing a growing confidence in the Kim Jong-un regime.

Those experts say that Kim Jong-un will try to further solidify his leadership by not only continuing reckless provocations, but also trying to take overtures for dialogue.