North Korea: Kim Jong Un vows new military measures ahead of big parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promised to strengthen the military and send more weapons in response to more US troops in the South, as the country gets ready for a big anniversary parade.

“In direct proportion to the buildup of US forces in [South] Korea, our strategic interest in the region has also increased, and we have accordingly allocated special assets to key targets of interest,” Kim was quoted in a report published by the state media KCNA on Sunday.

Kim’s recent statement follows a report from South Korea claiming that Pyongyang has gathered a large amount of highly enriched, weapons-grade uranium, indicating a big rise in its nuclear material stockpile.

“I believe our enemies should be concerned about the direction their security environment is evolving,” Kim said at a military exhibition event ahead of the parade.

He added that North Korea will definitely take further military steps to respond to the growing presence of US forces, though he didn’t provide details.

Kim Jong Un has recently escalated his rhetoric, instructing top officials to fortify the country’s “nuclear shield and sword”, asserting that only a “nuclear counteraction” can guarantee North Korea’s security.

Missiles and milestones

This heightened military focus coincides with a planned large-scale military parade on Friday, (October 10), to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. During this event, North Korea is anticipated to exhibit its newest weapons and military hardware. Analysts cited by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency suggest Pyongyang may unveil the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and potentially even test-launch it around the anniversary date.

South Korean military sources, also quoted by Yonhap, report “signs” that Pyongyang is preparing to host tens of thousands of people for the evening parade on October 10. They have also observed movements of vehicles and military equipment.

Kim has maintained a hardline stance against South Korea and the United States, despite diplomatic overtures from both.

This is in the context of a recent shift in South Korean leadership, where President Lee Jae-myung (who took office in June) has pledged a more dovish approach to Pyongyang compared to his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol.

Internationally, North Korea has been strengthening military ties with Russia, by supplying troops and artillery to support President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine. Kim Jong Un is also solidifying his alliance with China, shown by his recent visit to Beijing to attend a military parade with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II.