The parade, which reportedly took place at Kim Il-sung Square during the early hours of June 24, was not aired live—a standard practice in North Korea to maintain secrecy—but was instead shown on Korean Central Television (KCTV) 36 hours later in a carefully edited, hour-long segment.
The broadcast featured thousands of goose-stepping troops, rows of armored vehicles, and a display of what appeared to be new short-range ballistic missiles and mobile intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) platforms. Among the most notable was a suspected hypersonic missile variant mounted on a transporter erector launcher—an indication that North Korea continues to advance its weapons capabilities despite international sanctions and condemnation.
Kim Jong-un Front and Center
Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un appeared prominently during the broadcast, flanked by top generals and political aides. Dressed in a dark suit and tie, Kim was shown smiling, waving, and applauding from a balcony above the parade route. No formal speech was aired, though state commentary described him as “brilliantly guiding our people to new victories” and reaffirming the country’s “rightful path of military strength and independence.”
His sister, Kim Yo-jong, was also seen at his side—reinforcing speculation about her growing role in North Korea’s political and strategic affairs.
Strategic Messaging
The rare decision to televise the parade in such detail is seen by analysts as a deliberate move aimed at multiple audiences.
“North Korea wants the world to know it’s not only surviving but advancing,” said Joseph Han, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic Policy in Seoul. “These parades are carefully choreographed signals—to Washington, to Seoul, and especially to the domestic audience—that the regime remains firmly in control and militarily prepared.”
The broadcast emphasized themes of defiance and strength, with narration hailing the country's military as a “shield of justice” and a “sword that guarantees eternal peace.” Music, flag-waving citizens, and dramatic aerial shots reinforced the messaging of national unity and preparedness.
Domestic Reassurance Amid Crisis
Domestically, the parade footage serves as a powerful tool of political reassurance at a time when the country is facing deepening economic woes. Reports of ongoing food shortages, sanctions-related trade restrictions, and growing dependency on unofficial border commerce with China have put pressure on the regime.
“This kind of visual spectacle reminds citizens who’s in charge—and what they’re supposed to believe in,” said Ha Yeon-mi, a defector and human rights advocate based in Seoul. “For ordinary North Koreans, this isn't just a parade. It’s a televised lesson in loyalty.”
Ongoing Military Tensions
The parade comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The U.S. and South Korea concluded a series of joint military drills earlier this month, which North Korea strongly condemned as “preparation for invasion.” In response, Pyongyang launched several short-range missiles into the sea and has reportedly increased troop movement along its eastern coast.
There is also growing concern among international observers that North Korea may be preparing for another nuclear test—the first since 2017—following a series of satellite and underground facility upgrades detected by monitoring agencies.
Conclusion
While military parades are not new for North Korea, the decision to publicize this latest event reflects the regime’s evolving strategy: one that blends deterrence, domestic control, and symbolic defiance. The world may view the footage with concern, but inside North Korea, it is likely being received as a clear statement of strength in uncertain times.