When the Korean Workers’ Party met for its 69th anniversary in September, most were distracted by Kim Jong Un’s absence.

But despite media fascination with whether or not Kim Jong Un’s temporary absence was due to a “coup” or a cheese-related illness, few asked the question of why delegates from the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea were meeting in the first place: In a country ruled by an exclusive dynasty, why is there the need for a ruling political party?