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North Korea's anniversary parade to focus on spectacle, analyst says

Large-scale mass games and demonstration of firepower are likely to be standout performances at the celebrations, an official at Seoul's Unification Ministry said.

By Elizabeth Shim
North Korea is planning a large-scale military parade on Oct. 10, and Kim Jong Un could deliver a speech emphasizing reconciliation between North and South, according to reports. Photo by KCNA/Yonhap
North Korea is planning a large-scale military parade on Oct. 10, and Kim Jong Un could deliver a speech emphasizing reconciliation between North and South, according to reports. Photo by KCNA/Yonhap

SEOUL, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- North Korea is planning a military parade centered on sensational spectacles, rather than on new weapons, a Seoul official said on Tuesday.

An unidentified source affiliated with South Korea's Unification Ministry said North Korea's 70th anniversary parade on Oct. 10, a celebration of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, is expected to highlight visually impressive stunts and shows, News 1 reported.

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"Large-scale mass games and demonstration of firepower are likely to be standout performances at the celebrations...and an air show is also expected," the official said.

Satellite images of Mirim Airport, also known as Pyongyang East Airfield or K-24 Air Base, indicated North Korea was preparing a group of fighter jets for the parade. Seoul has identified other arrangements were underway in other parts of Pyongyang, according to the source.

"New weapons would be used for display and for propaganda purposes," the official said. "While it's hard to say what weapons are to be on display, the emphasis on 'show' is to be more pronounced."

The source said it is unlikely Pyongyang would declare any policy changes during the event. Rather, the occasion is being built to encourage a festive atmosphere in commemoration of the 70th anniversary.

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South Korean news network YTN reported, however, the attendance of a top Chinese official at the event may mean Kim Jong Un could deliver a speech emphasizing reconciliation between North and South. YTN said in a speech Kim gave in 2012, during the 100th anniversary parade marking the birth of founder Kim Il Sung, the North Korean leader appeared to imitate his biological grandfather in voice and gesture.

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