As Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to North Korea is imminent, additional structures presumed to be stages have been spotted in Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang. It appears they are preparing for a welcoming ceremony for Putin.
On June 14, Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that private American satellite service Planet Labs captured images of rectangular walls installed in front of the grandstand and on both sides of the square in satellite photos taken of Kim Il Sung Square on June 13. In front of the grandstand, walls approximately 111 feet and 72 feet long have been erected, presumed to be temporary structures for an orchestra performance. Additionally, materials seemingly necessary for preparing a welcoming event are scattered on both sides of the square.
The exact purpose of these structures cannot be determined from satellite images alone, but they could potentially be for security or crowd control during the welcoming event.
American private satellite expert, Jacob Bogle, told RFA, “The two areas on both sides of the square appear to be storage for flags, banners, and other decorative and construction materials. The objects surrounded by walls within the square are likely orchestra tents, similar to what we’ve seen in parades in recent years.” NK News also analyzed that North Korea seems to be conducting a parade or a similar large-scale event, as orchestra tents have appeared ahead of parades.
In the past, North Korea has shown patterns of conducting separate training and installing structures in Kim Il Sung Square when high-ranking officials from China or Russia visit or when parades are held.
Additionally, movement has been detected at the Pyongyang Koryo Hotel, which is used as accommodation for foreign leaders and dignitaries visiting North Korea.
Satellite images from June 13 show a previously unseen red object near the entrance where vehicles enter the guesthouse. While this object’s identity and purpose have not been confirmed, it is speculated to be part of Putin’s visit preparations.
This location has been used as accommodation for South Korean Presidents Kim Dae Jung in 2000, Roh Moo Hyun in 2006, and Moon Jae In in 2018, who all visited North Korea. Inter-Korean summits were also held here. Other presidents, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1994, President Bill Clinton in 2009, Chinese President Jiang Zemin in 2001, and Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi Junichiro in 2002, also used this place as their accommodation.
Circumstantial evidence of Putin’s imminent visit to North Korea continues to emerge. However, the Kremlin announced on June 13 that the schedule has not yet been announced.
If Putin’s visit to North Korea takes place, it will be the first time in 24 years since Kim Jong Il took office in July 2000.