North Korea Expected to Hold Military Parade on Eve of Olympics

As South Korea gets ready to host the Winter Olympics, its northern neighbor is preparing to flex its muscles at its own party.

North Koreans perform in the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang during the Arirang Mass Games Thursday, October 6, 2005. The north's government opened the capital to South Korean tourists as part of celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the country's founding.Photographer: SEOKYONG LEE

Provide news feedback or report an error

Confidential tip?

Send a tip to our reporters

Site feedback:

Take our Survey

By Kanga Kong

January 23, 2018 at 8:04 AM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

As South Korea gets ready to host the Winter Olympics, its northern neighbor is preparing to flex its muscles at its own party -- just a day before the Feb. 9 opening ceremony.

North Korea’s Politburo on Monday designated Feb. 8, 1948 as the foundation date of the Korean People’s Army, and plans to "significantly mark" the 70th anniversary next month, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency. The Workers’ Party will hold "diverse events" so troops, party members and ordinary people will "deeply grasp" the feat of the nation’s founder Kim Il Sung in building the military force.