N. Korea to hold key party meeting this week for 2023 policies

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during a meeting in Pyongyang to build counter-crisis capabilities to prevent various types of disasters, in this undated photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Yonhap

North Korea plans to hold a key ruling party meeting this week to review this year's policies and discuss major tasks in 2023.

Drawing keen attention from the outside world is the possibility that the reclusive Kim Jong-un regime will unveil strategies on inter-Korean relations and a stalemate in denuclearization talks with the United States.

Pyongyang's state media reported that the 6th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party will be held in late December to decide on "work plans for 2023 and a series of important issues arising in the development of the Party and the revolution at present."

During the upcoming event, North Korea may unveil its main external policy directions and offer an indication of plans for another nuclear test, as well as additional launches of long-range missiles. South Korea's defense authorities said they are keeping an eye on the North's reported preparations for a massive military parade.

Kim may also use the party's session to deliver a major speech in lieu of his New Year's Day address, usually presented on Jan. 1.

He has refrained from giving his New Year's Day address since 2019, when he delivered a speech at a plenary session of the party.

Pyongyang is scheduled to celebrate major political anniversaries next year, including the 75th founding anniversary of its Korean People's Army on Feb. 8.

The North usually commemorates every fifth and 10th anniversary of such major events with mass rallies or military parades. (Yonhap)

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