North Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for 'epochal progress' in rural development during the inauguration of a modern dairy farm, as the country gears up for its ninth Workers' Party congress this month. Satellite imagery meanwhile shows soldiers in Pyongyang practicing parade formations ahead of the event.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the inauguration of the Samgwang Stockbreeding Farm in Unjon, North Phyongan Province, on February 2, stressing the need for epochal progress in rural areas. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said, "More epochal progress will be made in the implementation of the party's program for the rural revolution in the new era and policy of regional development." The farm, built years ago under party instructions to improve living standards, produces around 10 kinds of dairy products, including butter, cheese, milk powder, and yogurt. Kim sampled the items and expressed "great pride to think that such good milk products would be supplied to the children and people." Photos showed production of raclette, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses, reflecting his time studying in Switzerland.
This visit follows a series of inspections at regional development sites, appearing to highlight economic achievements before the ninth congress of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), expected later this month. Meanwhile, a report by U.S.-based 38 North on February 3 (U.S. time) cited commercial satellite imagery from Mirim Airfield in eastern Pyongyang, showing hundreds of soldiers practicing marching formations, including one shaped like the WPK emblem of hammer, sickle, and calligraphy brush. "These preparatory drills are likely for a parade to mark the upcoming Ninth Party Congress," 38 North stated.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed detecting preparation signs at Mirim Airfield and Kim Il Sung Square. JCS spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun said in a briefing, "It is yet unclear whether a military parade will take place. So far, preparations seemed to be taking place on the civilian level." This suggests a possible paramilitary parade with reserve forces. The congress, held every five years, is North Korea's top decision-making body, setting economic, diplomatic, and defense policies for the next half-decade. No date has been announced, but South Korea predicts early to mid-February. Preliminary city and county party meetings were reported on January 24, with congresses typically following two to three weeks later. Completion of the final stage of Pyongyang's Hwasong district housing project may delay the event slightly.
