North Korea Holds Midnight Military Parade... Likely to Broadcast Recorded Footage Today

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] It has been reported that North Korea held a military parade on the evening of the 25th to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the 'Anti-Japanese Partisan' unit. This is the fourth time North Korea has held a nighttime military parade, and although it has not been confirmed whether Chairman Kim Jong-un attended, based on past precedents, it is believed that Chairman Kim attended and gave a speech.

According to military authorities, after a pre-ceremony event around 9 p.m., the nighttime military parade began around 10 p.m. at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, mobilizing troops and equipment. Given that more than 250 pieces of equipment were mobilized for the comprehensive rehearsal, the military and intelligence authorities estimate this to be the largest scale ever.

In particular, it is observed that the hypersonic missile Hwasong-8, the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) were all mobilized. As North Korea has recently been openly expressing its intention to strengthen its 'nuclear combat forces,' there is a high possibility that various new weapon systems, including the new tactical guided weapon evaluated as a tactical nuclear weapon for use against the South launched on the 16th, will be additionally showcased.

Since October 2020, starting with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party, North Korea has consecutively held evening or midnight military parades. North Korea appears to consider holding nighttime parades effective in maximizing internal cohesion by enhancing the festive atmosphere with splendid lighting and fireworks. In fact, in this case, two types of floating bridges called 'bukyos,' which seem to be used for the parade event, were installed between Kim Il-sung Square and Juche Tower Square, and related lighting and fireworks facilities were also reportedly prepared.

Unlike his predecessors, this is the first time since 2012 that Chairman Kim has held the April 25 military parade, which is interpreted internally as a move to promote regime cohesion and externally as a message to demonstrate military power. So far, North Korean media have not mentioned the parade, but the parade is expected to be broadcast recorded on June 26 through Korean Central Television.