Preparations are underway for a potential military parade in North Korea, with hundreds of soldiers recently observed practicing marching formations. This activity coincides with the approach of the long-anticipated Ninth Party Congress. Analysts from 38 North, a project of the Stimson Center, reported that commercial satellite imagery shows large troop formations conducting drills at the Mirim Parade Training Ground in eastern Pyongyang.
The report highlights that the military exercises appear to be aimed at a parade to mark the upcoming congress, which takes place every five years and sets North Korea’s domestic and foreign policy agenda. Soldiers have been seen arranging themselves into shapes reminiscent of the hammer, sickle, and brush, symbols associated with the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.
Congress Timing and Expectations
While an official date for the Ninth Party Congress has yet to be confirmed, South Korean government officials and the National Intelligence Service anticipate it will occur in early to mid-February 2023. The Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul reported detecting signs of parade preparations at both the Mirim Airfield and Kim Il Sung Square, locations where similar events have been held historically.
Colonel Lee Sung-jun, spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated that while preparations are underway, it remains unclear whether an actual military parade will take place. “As I understand, preparations are currently being made as a civilian event,” he stated during a press briefing.
The apparent preparations for a parade coincide with a series of public appearances by leader Kim Jong Un. These activities seem designed to project an image of progress and stability ahead of the congress. Recently, Kim attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a regional development project in Unnyul County, a part of broader efforts to modernize local industry and infrastructure.
Political Context and Economic Pressures
In addition to showcasing development projects, Kim has ramped up on-site inspections, including the dismissal of a vice premier due to construction delays at a significant machinery plant. A report by the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification suggested that these actions may indicate increasing pressure on the regime to produce tangible economic results, particularly as international sanctions and persistent shortages hinder growth.
Military developments have also been prominent in recent weeks. In late January, Kim oversaw the test-firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system, stating that plans to enhance the country’s nuclear deterrent would be outlined at the upcoming congress. According to 38 North, the timing of the congress may be influenced by any additional public events or military demonstrations planned by Pyongyang before the gathering.
“If there are more economic projects to showcase or weapons to test before the Party Congress commences, the event could take longer to open,” the report concluded, indicating the regime’s strategy in navigating both domestic and international expectations.
