Kim Jong Un

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un pledges to lift living standards at rare congress

Kim’s opening speech focused on improving economic activity, with no mention of relations with the US or South Korea.

Kim Jong Un unveils homes for families of fallen soldiers

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presides over a ceremony to mark the completion of a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of soldiers killed in Russia's war on Ukraine. [KCNA via Reuters]

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, meet with people attending the completion ceremony of the new housing district in Pyongyang. [KCNA via Reuters]

North Korea announced on February 16, 2026, the completion of a new housing development in Pyongyang dedicated to families of North Korean soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This initiative represents Kim Jong Un's latest effort to commemorate those who have fallen in combat. [KCNA via Reuters]

State media photos captured Kim Jong Un strolling along the newly constructed Saeppyol Street and visiting homes with his increasingly visible daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae. During these visits, he promised to honour the "young martyrs" who "sacrificed all to their motherland". [KCNA via Reuters]

In recent months, North Korea has escalated its propaganda campaign celebrating soldiers sent to support Russia's war on Ukraine, including the creation of a memorial wall and museum. Analysts interpret these actions as strategic measures to strengthen domestic solidarity and suppress potential public opposition. [KCNA via Reuters]

The construction of the new street coincides with North Korea's preparations for a major congress of Kim Jong Un's ruling Workers' Party this month. During the congress, Kim is expected to unveil his five-year domestic and foreign policy objectives while implementing additional measures to consolidate his authority. [KCNA via Reuters]

Kim Jong Un has sent thousands of soldiers and substantial military hardware, including artillery and missiles, to bolster Russian President Vladimir Putin's campaign against Ukraine in recent months. This military support reflects the strengthening alliance between the two leaders as they each deal with tensions with Washington. [KCNA via Reuters]

Under a mutual defence pact with Russia, North Korea sent about 14,000 soldiers in 2024 to fight alongside Russian troops against Ukraine, where more than 6,000 of them were killed, according to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources. [KCNA via Reuters]

North Korea has staged multiple public ceremonies in recent months to honour its war dead, including the unveiling of a new memorial complex in Pyongyang adorned with sculptures of soldiers. [KCNA via Reuters]

The Workers' Party congress is to convene in late February and is expected to serve as a showcase for Kim's achievements and policy priorities. [KCNA via Reuters]