North Korean leader Kim Jong-un issued a warning of “terrible retaliatory attacks” against any hostile military actions during a military parade marking a significant party congress. The warning was delivered during a nighttime parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang as the ruling party congress concluded. Kim emphasized the readiness of the armed forces to handle any situation and retaliate against forces infringing on national sovereignty and security interests.
Kim stressed the paramount importance of defending the state and people’s rights to existence and development, highlighting the responsibility of the armed forces in this regard. The parade, which was attended by Kim, his daughter Ju-ae, speculated as a potential successor, his wife Ri Sol-ju, and other top officials, did not showcase key weapons systems like the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. This omission suggested that these weapons were not part of the display.
The parade included aerial displays and 50 formations of marching troops, including units involved in overseas operations and engineering tasks supporting Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The ruling Workers’ Party of Korea’s ninth congress, which began last week, focused on setting policy directions for the next five years in areas such as diplomacy, defense, and the economy. Kim’s stance during a policy review session indicated a willingness to engage with the United States if Washington changes its hostile approach but dismissed talks with Seoul as misleading.
