North Korean Troops Practice Parade Formations as Ninth Party Congress Looms
Updated (3 articles)
Satellite Images Capture Hundreds of Soldiers Forming Party Emblem Commercial satellite photos taken on Feb 3, 2026 show large troop columns at Mirim Airfield in eastern Pyongyang arranging a hammer, sickle and calligraphy‑brush pattern, the Workers’ Party symbol [1][2][3]. The formations required precise coordination, indicating a rehearsed display rather than routine training. Analysts note the scale of the exercise exceeds typical drills, pointing to a ceremonial purpose.
Analysts Tie Rehearsals to a Potential Parade for the Ninth Congress U.S. monitoring site 38 North interprets the activity as preparation for a military parade marking the upcoming Ninth Party Congress, citing Mirim’s historic role in parade rehearsals [1][2][3]. Historical precedent shows parades are staged at Kim Il Sung Square following similar drills. However, the site’s assessment acknowledges that final parade decisions remain pending.
South Korean Military Reports Uncertainty Over Parade Execution Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Col. Lee Sung‑jun told reporters that while signs of preparation appear at Mirim Airfield and Kim Il Sung Square, it is unclear whether a full parade will occur and current work seems civilian‑focused [1][2][3]. He emphasized that no official announcement has been made by Pyongyang. The JCS continues to monitor the situation for any shift toward a military display.
Ninth Party Congress Date Unannounced but Early February Anticipated The quinquennial congress, which sets five‑year policy plans, has not disclosed a schedule, though South Korean officials expect it in early or mid‑February based on city‑ and county‑level meetings reported on Jan 24 [1][2][3]. Construction of most congress‑related projects is complete except the final housing stage in the Hwasong district, which could affect timing. Historically, the national congress convenes two to three weeks after local party gatherings.
Ongoing Economic Projects Could Postpone Parade Start 38 North warns that continued completion of economic projects or weapons tests may delay the parade’s opening, referencing recent ceremonies celebrating such achievements [2][3]. The observation suggests the regime may prioritize showcasing development milestones before allocating resources to a large‑scale military display.
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: North Korean Troops Rehearse Potential Parade Ahead of Ninth Party Congress: reports Feb 3 satellite images of hammer‑sickle‑brush formations, links drills to a possible parade, notes JCS uncertainty and unfinished housing stage .
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2.
Yonhap: North Korean Troops Rehearse Parade Ahead of Ninth Party Congress, Satellite Images Show: highlights same rehearsals, adds analysis of local party meetings on Jan 24 and potential delays from economic project showcases .
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3.
Yonhap: North Korean Troops Rehearse Parade Ahead of Unscheduled Ninth Party Congress: focuses on emblem formations, historical use of Mirim for rehearsals, and timing implications from recent local meetings .
Timeline
Jan 2021 – A Korean Central News Agency image shows a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square for the eighth Workers’ Party congress, illustrating the venue’s typical use for such displays and providing context for current preparations. [2]
Jan 24, 2026 – North Korean reports state that city and county party organizations hold meetings, a customary step that historically precedes a national congress by two to three weeks, indicating the Ninth Party Congress could be imminent. [1][3]
Early Feb 2026 – South Korean officials anticipate the Ninth Party Congress will occur in early or mid‑February, although the exact date remains unannounced, based on the timing of the local party meetings. [1][2][3]
Feb 3, 2026 – Commercial satellite imagery captures hundreds of soldiers forming hammer, sickle and calligraphy‑brush patterns at Mirim Airfield, signaling a large‑scale rehearsal for a potential parade linked to the upcoming congress. [1][2][3]
Feb 3, 2026 – 38 North analyzes the images and declares the drills “are likely for a parade to mark the upcoming Ninth Party Congress,” tying the formations to the Workers’ Party emblem. [1][2][3]
Feb 3, 2026 – Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Col. Lee Sung‑jun tells a press briefing that “signs of preparation were detected at Mirim Airfield and Kim Il Sung Square,” but adds “it remains unclear whether a parade will occur” and notes the activity appears civilian. [1][2]
Feb 3, 2026 – Analysts note that Mirim Airfield traditionally serves as the rehearsal ground for major North Korean parades, reinforcing the likelihood that the current drills precede a national display. [3]
Feb 2026 – North Korean officials report that most pledged projects for the congress are finished except the fourth stage of Hwasong district housing, suggesting the congress could be delayed until that construction phase completes. [2]