North Korea is expected to convene its 9th Workers’ Party Congress before the Lunar New Year. As large decorations appear in Pyongyang where the congress is likely to be held, and preparations for a mass rally and military parade at Kim Il Sung Square are underway, speculation about the imminent opening of the congress is intensifying.
On Thursday, NK News, a U.S.-based media outlet focusing on North Korea, reported that satellite imagery analysis confirmed the installation of red decorations symbolizing the Workers’ Party flag outside the April 25 House of Culture in Pyongyang, where the 7th and 8th party congresses were held in 2016 and 2021. Historically, such preparations typically occur about a week before the event’s opening.
Satellite images taken between January 11 and 17 at Sunan International Airport, north of Pyongyang, revealed the deployment of fighter jet squadrons likely to participate in commemorative events, including a parade. NK News noted similar fighter jet training at Sunan International Airport about a month before military parades in October 2022 and July 2023.
Recent satellite imagery from January 28 and February 3 showed preparations for a large-scale mass rally at Kim Il Sung Square.
Satellite images from Tuesday captured a massive Workers’ Party of Korea flag, about 164 feet wide and 82 feet long, positioned under a tent outside May Day Stadium on Rungra Island. A major celebratory performance is expected to take place there following the party congress. NK News also reported that an estimated 12,000 troops have likely been rehearsing for the parade at the Mirim Parade Training Ground (formerly Mirim Airfield) since November.
The party congress is North Korea’s most significant political event, outlining the country’s future direction through amendments to the party statute, leadership appointments, and foreign and inter-Korean policy. Analysts emphasize that this 9th congress could be a pivotal moment in formalizing Kim Jong Un’s mid- to long-term strategy, making the event’s timing and messaging crucial.
Some experts suggest that North Korea may have scheduled the congress to conclude around February 16, Kim Jong Il’s birthday, to maximize internal cohesion. Combining a large military parade with a mass event could allow the regime to demonstrate stability and leadership simultaneously.
However, as North Korea has yet to officially announce the congress schedule, the actual dates are expected to be finalized through meetings of the party’s Political Bureau.