North Korea's ruling Workers' Party congress, a rare large-scale gathering in the Hermit Kingdom South Korea has been watching out for,... has just kicked off under the watchful eye of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. <br />This is the first highest-level meeting convened in the North in 36 years,... and the message delivered by Kim will likely signal the path North Korea will take in the coming years. <br />For the latest we connect to Connie Kim at the unification ministry in Seoul.<br />Connie, what do we know so far?<br /><br />Daeun, the ruling Workers' Party congress kicked off about half-an-hour ago with Kim Jong-un expected to announce the opening of the massive political event with a speech.<br />The congress is not being streamed live, but his speech is expected to set the outline of the once-in-a generation gathering. <br />The event is forecast to be held for three to four days,... so it'll either wrap up on Sunday or Monday.<br />During that time,... the party will list its accomplishments, elect new, younger aides to Kim Jong-un and give the young leader a new title to cement his grip on power. <br />The convention was last held in 1980 by Kim's grandfather and the founder of North Korea, Kim Il-sung.<br />Back then,... it was attended by 117 foreign guests from more than 100 countries.<br />But facing international sanctions following its nuclear and long-range missile test, no high-profile foreign guests are known to have been invited.<br />As a result,... Pyongyang seems to be doing its best to whip up a celebratory atmosphere within the regime.<br />A huge Workers' Party flag is reportedly at the April 25 House of Culture, the venue of the opening ceremony, and some three-thousand party members have finished their rehearsals. <br />This rarest of rare events is definitely a huge political gathering, and we'll have to see how Kim Jong-un goes about cementing his status and charting a vision for the future. <br />I'll bring you more updates at noon, Korea time.<br />Back to you Daeun. <br /><br />Thank you connie for that, keep us posted<br />
