Kim Jong Un reviews North Korea's progress at key party congress

(Patria) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has begun reviewing the country's progress over the past five years, which has brought about "great transformation," during the second day of a key party congress, state media KCNA reported on Saturday, Reuters reported.

The ninth congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea opened on Thursday and is expected to last several days. As the country's largest political event, held every five years, it sets policy and can bring about changes in leadership structures under Supreme Commander Kim.

North Korea's ruling party has hailed "outstanding successes" in areas such as politics, economy, culture, defense, and diplomacy under Kim's leadership over the past five years, KCNA reported.

The Central Committee of the ruling party focused on identifying shortcomings before focusing on successes, KCNA reported, but did not mention what those shortcomings were.

KCNA reported on Friday that 5,000 members of the ruling Workers' Party are attending the meeting. There was no mention of the presence of important foreign officials, although KCNA stated that congratulations were sent from Russia, China, Vietnam, and Laos.

North Korea is expected to showcase military capabilities at a parade, and as part of the meeting, arms development goals.