North Korean soldiers are currently engaged in rehearsals for a military parade as the country approaches its long-anticipated Ninth Party Congress. Recent commercial satellite imagery has revealed large formations of troops practicing marching drills at the Mirim Parade Training Ground in eastern Pyongyang, according to an assessment published by the Stimson Center-based 38 North.
The imagery indicates that soldiers are arranging themselves into shapes that resemble the hammer, sickle, and brush, symbols associated with the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. The party congress, which convenes every five years, serves as a platform for North Korea to outline its domestic and foreign policy agenda.
Congress Details and Expectations
While an official date for the Ninth Party Congress has not yet been announced, South Korean government officials and the National Intelligence Service anticipate it will occur in early to mid-February. The Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul reported signs of parade preparations at both Mirim Airfield and Kim Il Sung Square, locations historically used for similar events.
“It’s not yet clear whether a military parade will take place,” said Colonel Lee Sung-jun, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “As I understand, preparations are currently being made as a civilian event.”
The heightened activity comes as Kim Jong Un continues to make public appearances, reinforcing the regime’s intention to showcase progress ahead of the congress. Recently, he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a regional development project in Unnyul County, which is part of a broader initiative to modernize local industry and infrastructure.
In an apparent display of accountability, Kim also dismissed a vice premier due to construction delays at a major machinery plant. A report by the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification suggests that this firings indicate increased pressure on the regime to demonstrate tangible economic results amid ongoing sanctions and chronic shortages that hinder growth.
Military Developments and Future Plans
Military signaling has been particularly notable in recent weeks. In late January, Kim supervised the test-firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system and announced plans to enhance the country’s nuclear deterrent, which he is expected to detail during the congress.
According to the 38 North report, the timing of the congress may be influenced by whether North Korea plans to conduct additional public events prior to 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.
The preparations illustrate North Korea’s efforts to project strength and stability, particularly as it faces external pressures and internal challenges. The upcoming congress is poised to play a critical role in shaping the country’s direction through 2031.
