Pyongyang Schedules Major WPK Plenary Session for Late June

Seoul: In a move that underscores its focus on internal policy evaluation, North Korea has announced plans to hold an important plenary meeting of its ruling Workers' Party in late June. State media confirmed that the second plenary session of the ninth Central Committee will take place at the end of next month. The Korean Central News Agency said the political bureau has tasked the meeting with reviewing how party and government policies are being implemented this year. Officials will also discuss plans for the second half of the year and examine several critical issues facing the country. North Korea routinely schedules these gatherings twice a year, though extra sessions can be called when circumstances demand. The upcoming meeting follows the February party congress and comes shortly after constitutional amendments that altered territorial descriptions and removed unification language regarding South Korea. While the exact agenda remains undisclosed, experts believe the session could influence Pyongyang's approach toward Washington and Seoul. There is also growing speculation that Chinese President Xi Jinping may visit North Korea soon to facilitate dialogue between Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump. The meeting is expected to provide important signals about the direction of North Korean policy in the months ahead.