North Korean leader **Kim Jong Un** issued a stern warning of a “terrible counterattack” against any enemy military action that attacks his country’s independence and security during a nighttime military parade in Pyongyang on February 25, 2026 (state media reported on February 26). The event, held at Kim Il Sung Square, commemorated the end of the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), a week-long (19–25 February) meeting that set policy guidelines for diplomacy, defense, the economy and more.
In his speech published by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim declared: “Our armed forces are fully prepared to deal with any situation… As soon as any force takes enemy military action, our army will launch a fierce counterattack.” He described protecting the country and its people’s rights to life and development as “the biggest, most urgent task,” and reaffirmed North Korea’s pledge to strengthen its nuclear arsenal and its status as a nuclear power.
The parade featured approximately 14,000 marching troops in 50 groups—including foreign operations and engineering units (some deployed to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine)—aerial flyovers of fighter jets, and fireworks, but notably did not include displays of large weapons systems such as the Hwasong-20 ICBM, expected to debut in October 2025.
Kim joined from the viewing stand with his daughter **Kim Ju A** (who is widely seen as a potential successor), wife **Ri Sol-ju**, and senior officials. Xu A’s conspicuous appearance in matching clothes further fueled speculation about his role in succession planning.
As the congress ended, Kim reiterated that there is no reason to avoid building better relations with the United States if Washington ends its “hostile policy,” and described South Korea’s negotiating tactics as “deceitful.” He focused on increasing nuclear capability, long-range missiles and advanced systems like underwater launches, AI platforms and drones.
Congress re-elected Kim as WPK general secretary, further strengthening his leadership amid rising regional tensions and North Korea’s support for Russia. Analysts consider this parade and rhetoric to be a show of strength and deterrence.
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