North Korea is gearing up for what appears to be a significant military parade ahead of the highly anticipated Ninth Party Congress. Recent reports indicate that hundreds of soldiers have been seen practicing marching formations at the Mirim Parade Training Ground in east Pyongyang, as confirmed by commercial satellite imagery analyzed by the Stimson Center’s 38 North project.
The military activity suggests preparations for an event coinciding with the congress, which is expected to set the country’s political, economic, and military agenda for the next five years. Kim Jong Un is anticipated to present a new plan outlining the regime’s priorities through 2031, making this gathering particularly crucial for North Korea’s future direction.
Details of the Preparations
Images from the training ground show soldiers arranging themselves into formations resembling the hammer, sickle, and brush—symbols of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. Although the official date for the Ninth Party Congress has not yet been disclosed, South Korean government officials and the National Intelligence Service project that it will occur in early to mid-February 2023.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed on February 2, 2023, that they have observed signs of parade preparations at both the Mirim Airfield and Kim Il Sung Square, locations that have historically hosted similar events. Colonel Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for the JCS, stated, “It’s not yet clear whether a military parade will take place. As I understand, preparations are currently being made as a civilian event.”
Context of Military and Economic Developments
The apparent preparations for the parade coincide with a series of public appearances by Kim Jong Un, which highlight the regime’s efforts to showcase progress leading up to the congress. Recently, Kim attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a regional development project in Unnyul County, part of a broader initiative to modernize local industry and infrastructure. He has also increased on-site inspections, dismissing a vice premier due to construction delays at a major machinery plant.
“The regime may be under mounting pressure to show tangible economic results, as sanctions and chronic shortages continue to constrain growth,” stated a report from the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification.
Military signaling remains a prominent aspect of the North Korean strategy. In late January 2023, Kim oversaw the test-firing of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system, emphasizing that future plans to enhance the country’s nuclear deterrent would be outlined at the congress.
According to the 38 North report, the timing of the congress could be adjusted based on whether Pyongyang intends to showcase additional economic projects or conduct further weapons tests prior to the gathering. The report indicated, “If there are more economic projects to showcase or weapons to test before the Party Congress commences, the event could take longer to open.”
As North Korea continues to navigate its complex political landscape, the forthcoming Ninth Party Congress will likely play a critical role in shaping the country’s future and its relations with the international community.
