Kim Jong Un to Unveil "Next-Stage" Nuclear Plan at Upcoming Party Congress

The announcement came on Tuesday, January 27, while Kim oversaw a test-firing of four ballistic missiles from a renewed large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system. According to the state news agency KCNA, Kim personally supervised the drills, stating that the successful results would cause "excruciating mental agony" to his enemies.

Accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and high-ranking military and political officials, the North Korean leader expressed great satisfaction with the demonstration. Pyongyang reported that the projectiles traveled approximately 358 kilometers (222 miles) before accurately hitting their targets in the sea. Japanese media noted that the missiles were launched toward the Sea of Japan, with at least two splashing down outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Political analysts believe that at the landmark Ninth Party Congress—the first in five years—Kim may declare that North Korea’s nuclear capabilities have reached their historic peak. This "next-stage" plan is expected to heighten security concerns not only in Asia but also in Washington, signaling a decisive shift toward mass production and modernization of North Korea's strategic arsenal.