Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea, recently participated in a photo op with troops who marched in the 9th Party Congress parade. In a show of military solidarity, he also presented new sniper rifles to key party and military officials before joining them in a shooting exercise. This move is seen as Kim’s way of signaling the military’s role in implementing the new strategic directives outlined at the Party Congress.
According to the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper, Kim attended the commemorative parade for the 9th Party Congress on February 27, where he met with Korean People’s Army commanders and soldiers for a photo session. The paper emphasized that the participating troops demonstrated unwavering support for the Party’s agenda and expressed confidence in victory.
At the parade grounds, Kim acknowledged the soldiers’ cheers, commending the People’s Army for their absolute loyalty to Party directives and their fighting spirit.
The Supreme Leader reportedly paid special attention to troops who had served in overseas operations, praising their contributions to national prestige. He also closely monitored the recovery of injured personnel. Kim stressed that in every new challenge presented by the Party Congress, the military must take the lead with bold heroism and unwavering resolve.
Later that day, at the Party Central Committee headquarters, Kim presented key party leaders and military commanders with a special gift: the next-generation sniper rifle developed by the National Defense Science Institute. He characterized this as recognition of their exceptional service and a token of absolute trust.
Recipients included members of the Party’s Central Military Commission, top brass from various military agencies, commanders of the People’s Army’s combined units and guard units, as well as Politburo Standing Committee members Jo Yong-won and Kim Jae-ryong. Kim Yo jong, head of the Party’s General Affairs Department, was also among those honored. After personally distributing weapon certificates, Kim joined the officials at the firing range to test the new sniper rifles, followed by a group photo session.
Kim’s first public appearances following the Party Congress – focused on military activities such as the parade, weapons presentation, and marksmanship training – underscore his commitment to the armed forces while highlighting the importance of defense and security policies for the next five years. The symbolic display of unity at the parade grounds and the special gifts to military elites are viewed as a calculated political move, simultaneously reaffirming loyalty and asserting control.