military parades in North Korea#Workers Party Day

Parades held in honor of Military Foundation Day:

The first parade of Korean People's Army took place on Military Foundation Day in 1948. It took place at Pyongyang Station in the presence of Soviet generals from the 25th Army and Soviet Civil Administration. It included the participation of about 20,000 North Korean soldiers who stood at attention during the first part of the parade in which Premier Kim Il Sung presided as commander in chief.

It celebrated the KPA's ruby jubilee.{{Citation|title=The Parade of the KPA. High Quality (2002)| date=5 September 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KzGmM34vUc&list=WL&index=15|language=en|access-date=2019-11-10|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104339/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KzGmM34vUc&list=WL&index=15|url-status=live}} Unlike the first parade, this parade included more diverse contingents of troops, particularly motorized infantry.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o0g0j69q8QoC&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1972&pg=RA1-PA4|title=Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts|first=United States Central Intelligence|last=Agency|date=November 27, 1972|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104323/https://books.google.com/books?id=o0g0j69q8QoC&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1972&pg=RA1-PA4|url-status=live}} According to a later defector from the Pyongyang Defense Command, a female officer collapsed after her appendix burst following the parade, to which she was "praised" by her superiors for having concealed it.{{Cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/past-goose-steppers-proud-of-place-in-north-korean-parades.amp|title=Past goose-steppers proud of place in North Korean parades | Fox News|website=Fox News|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104324/https://www.foxnews.com/world/past-goose-steppers-proud-of-place-in-north-korean-parades.amp|url-status=live}} Head of the Royal Government of the National Union of Kampuchea Prince Norodom Sihanouk, Marshal of the Soviet Union Kirill Moskalenko and commander of the Shenyang Military Region Chen Xilian were among the foreign dignitaries at the parade.

In 1992, the KPA's diamond jubilee parade was held.{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-north-korea-military-parades-20180908-story.html|title=North Korean military parades: 70 years of propaganda, intimidation and unity|date=September 8, 2018|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104341/https://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-north-korea-military-parades-20180908-story.html|url-status=live}} It saw the participation of over 20,000 active troops and 1,200 pieces of weaponry, as well veterans of all wars in which the DPRK was a participant.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ceQxAQAAIAAJ&q=parade+in+north+korea+1985&pg=PA69|title=Defense White Paper|date=November 27, 1993|publisher=Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104324/https://books.google.com/books?id=ceQxAQAAIAAJ&q=parade+in+north+korea+1985&pg=PA69|url-status=live}} During the parade, KPA Supreme Commander Kim Jong Il made his first public speech during a military parade for the KPA's 60th anniversary and said:{{cite book|author=Jae-Cheon Lim|title=Kim Jong-il's Leadership of North Korea|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ag16AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA155|date=24 November 2008|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-134-01712-6|page=155|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804040908/https://books.google.com/books?id=ag16AgAAQBAJ&pg=PA155|url-status=live}} "Glory to the officers and soldiers of the heroic Korean People's Army!",{{cite book|author=Ian Jeffries|title=North Korea, 2009-2012: A Guide to Economic and Political Developments|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DVv-IYB2E-QC&pg=PA674|date=7 December 2012|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-11698-9|page=674|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804041105/https://books.google.com/books?id=DVv-IYB2E-QC&pg=PA674|url-status=live}} which was followed by a loud applause by the crowd on the square. It was the last parade to include the Soviet-style goose step. Newly promoted Marshal O Jin-u made the keynote address and the parade was commanded by also newly promoted Vice Marshal Kim Kwang-jin.

The parade celebrated the 75th anniversary of the KPA. General Kim Kyok-sik, the then defence chief of the DPRK, gave the keynote address.{{Cite web|url=http://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20070426/252846/1/North-Korea-Celebrates-75th-Anniversary-of-People-s-Army|title=North Korea Celebrates 75th Anniversary of People's Army|website=The Dong-a Ilbo|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128062904/https://www.donga.com/en/article/all/20070426/252846/1/North-Korea-Celebrates-75th-Anniversary-of-People-s-Army|url-status=live}} The broadcast was delayed by three hours, with speculation by experts that this was due to Kim Jong Il's absence.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xpu6NUONT80C&q=parade+in+pyongyang+2005&pg=PA110|title=North Korea Under Kim Chong-il: Power, Politics, and Prospects for Change|first=Ken E.|last=Gause|date=August 31, 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313381751|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122125403/https://books.google.com/books?id=xpu6NUONT80C&q=parade+in+pyongyang+2005&pg=PA110|url-status=live}}

The parade celebrated the 81st anniversary of the KPA.{{Cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130426000243|title=N. Korean leader pays tribute to late grandfather, father on KPA's birthday|date=April 26, 2013|website=The Korea Herald|access-date=November 27, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121221827/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20130426000243|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/north-korea-will-mark-the-81st-anniversary-of-the-news-footage/454363910|title=North Korea will mark the 81st anniversary of the founding of the...|website=Getty Images|date=27 August 2014 |access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104329/https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/video/north-korea-will-mark-the-81st-anniversary-of-the-news-footage/454363910|url-status=live}} It was one of the only times a parade was held on a non-jubilee year; the parade that was planned for the previous year was cancelled due to the preparations for the parade on the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung that was held ten days prior to the planned parade.{{Cite web|url = https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20130501007400325|title = NORTH KOREA NEWSLETTER NO. 260 (May 2, 2013)|date = 2 May 2013|access-date = 17 November 2019|archive-date = 17 November 2019|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191117162318/https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20130501007400325|url-status = live}} It was the first to be held on the forecourt of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun. Military hardware was not displayed during the parade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2013/04/north-korea-holds-troop-parade-kim-jong-un-reviews-it/|title=North Korea Holds Troop Parade, Kim Jong Un Reviews | NK News|date=April 25, 2013|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 17, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117161704/https://www.nknews.org/2013/04/north-korea-holds-troop-parade-kim-jong-un-reviews-it/|url-status=live}} Speeches were delivered by commanders of the different branches of the KPA, during which they spoke of the military readiness of their branches.{{Cite web|url=http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=95502|title=N. Korean Leader Inspects Troops on Anniv. of KPA Founding|website=world.kbs.co.kr|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123195108/http://world.kbs.co.kr/service/news_view.htm?lang=e&Seq_Code=95502|url-status=live}}

In 2018, the platinum jubilee anniversary of the founding of the KPA in its current form took place on 8 February that year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-military-event-before-winter-olympics-2018-1|title=North Korea reportedly plans to hold a military event, one day before the Winter Olympics kick off in South Korea|first=David|last=Choi|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109194308/https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-military-event-before-winter-olympics-2018-1|url-status=live}} It was speculated that this parade, which was the first since the holiday was changed back to 8 February,{{cite news |url=https://www.38north.org/2018/02/rcarlin020118/ |title=A Few Facts on North Korea's Army Day |last=Carlin |first=Robert |publisher=U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies |work=38 North |date=1 February 2018 |access-date=3 February 2018 |archive-date=2 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202063617/https://www.38north.org/2018/02/rcarlin020118/ |url-status=live }} was held deliberately to coincide with the 2018 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Pyeongchang County, South Korea, during which North Korean and South Korean athletes marched together in the parade of nations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-rewrote-history-military-parade-south-korea-olympics-2018-1|title=North Korea just rewrote its own history to launch a military parade before South Korea's Olympics|first1=Alex|last1=Lockie|date=January 23, 2018|website=Business Insider|access-date=November 27, 2019|archive-date=November 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109194310/https://www.businessinsider.com/north-korea-rewrote-history-military-parade-south-korea-olympics-2018-1|url-status=live}} The parade included 13,000 soldiers of the KPA.{{Cite web | title = North Korea sends clear message with missile parade on eve of Olympics | last = Berlinger | first = Joshua | work = CNN | date = 7 February 2018 | accessdate = 2018-02-09 | url = https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/asia/north-korea-military-parade-intl/index.html | archive-date = 2018-02-10 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180210003005/https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/07/asia/north-korea-military-parade-intl/index.html | url-status = live }}

The 90th anniversary of the {{ill|Korean People's Revolutionary Army|ko|조선인민혁명군}} was marked with a nighttime military parade on April 25.{{Cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nkorea-displays-icbms-parade-vows-boost-nuclear-arsenal-2022-04-26/ | title=N.Korea's Kim vows to boost nuclear arsenal as parade shows ICBMs | newspaper=Reuters | date=26 April 2022 | last1=Smith | first1=Josh | last2=Shin | first2=Hyonhee | access-date=2022-04-27 | archive-date=2022-04-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427030630/https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nkorea-displays-icbms-parade-vows-boost-nuclear-arsenal-2022-04-26/ | url-status=live }} It marked a memorable first appearance for agents and employees of the Ministry of State Security and the women's traffic police officers of the Korean People's Internal Security Forces.

For the first time, corps and force battalions had their division and regimental/wing colours carried on parade. The military's honour guard troops performed the silent drill and it was shown on the broadcast with more screen time for the first time.

The columns of the troops are as follows:{{Cite web|url=https://dprktoday.com/abroad/songun/1740?lang=e|title=Military Parade Marks 90th Anniversary of KPRA|website=DPRK Today|language=en|access-date=13 June 2022|archive-date=21 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104331/https://dprktoday.com/abroad/songun/1740?lang=e|url-status=live}}

• Honor Guards, Historical Troops and Corps-level Units

1. Honorary cavalrymen
2. Soldiers in {{ill|Korean People's Revolutionary Army|ko|조선인민혁명군}} uniform
3. Soldiers in Fatherland Liberation War period uniform consisting the Army, Navy and Air Force
4. Guard Office of the Party Central Committee
5. Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission
6. Guard Department of the Party Central Committee
7. Supreme Guard Command
8. First Corps
9. Second Corps
10. Forth Corps
11. Fifth Corps
12. Navy
13. Air Force
14. Missile Maintenance Crewmembers of the Strategic Force
15. Special Operation Force
16. Anti-aircraft Artillery Corps
17. 91st Corps
18. 3rd Corps
19. 7th Corps
20. 8th Corps
21. 9th Corps
22. 10th Corps
23. 12th Corps
24. Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105th Guards Armored Division
25. Guards 123th Tank Division
26. 425th Mechanized Infantry Division
27. 108th Mechanized Infantry Division
28. 815th Mechanized Infantry Division
29. 806th Mechanized Infantry Division
30. Scouts Infantry
31. Mountain Infantry
32. Engineer Unit
33. Chemical Warfare Unit
34. Electronic Jammer Operations Unit

• Universities and Military Schools of all levels

1. Kim Il Sung Military University
2. Kim Jong Il Military-Political University
3. Kim Il Sung University of Politics
4. Kim Jong Un University of National Defence
5. Kim Jong Suk Naval University
6. Kim Chaek Air Force University
7. Kang Kon Military Academy
8. O Jin U Artillery Academy
9. Mangyongdae Revolutionary School
10. Nampo Revolutionary School and Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary School

• Worker-Peasant Red Guards, Ministry of State Security and Civil Defence

1. Worker-Peasant Red Guards
2. Ministry of State Security
3. Traffic Security Women of the Ministry of Social Security
4. Emergency Epidemic Prevention Workers
5. Tracker Dog Search Party of the Ministry of Social Security
6. Special Mobile Corps of the Ministry of Social Security

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| caption3 = Hwasong-18 ICBM on its Transporter Erector Launcher. This is the first time the missile was unveiled.

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The parade celebrated the 75th anniversary of the KPA. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who presided over the celebration parade, did not make an address. It would be the first time a new ceremonial colour of the KPA would be presented in public, as well as the brand new colour designs for its service branches and component units. A bigger historical column formed part of the year's festivities, including a small mobile column of equipment used in the late 1940s. As the parade was held in February, which is winter in the country, all of the troops wore winter gear.

The columns of the troops are as follows:{{cite web|title=North Korean military parade for the 75th anniversary of the Korean People's Army. FEB 8. 2023|website=YouTube|date=10 February 2023|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMlE4ushT2Y|access-date=12 February 2023}}{{cite web|title=Military Parade Marks 75th KPA Birthday|website=KCNA.kp|date=9 February 2023|url=http://www.kcna.kp/en/article/q/abad1068ad4bd5dbd396e909231d648b.kcmsf}}

• Honor Guards

1. Honorary Cavalrymen Column (명예기병종대)

• Historical Troops

1. 7th Regiment Column in the Anti-Japanese War Period (항일의 7련대상징종대)
2. Bodyguard Company of the Supreme Headquarters Column during the Fatherland Liberation War (조국해방전쟁시기 친위중대상징종대)
3. 1st National Defence Division Column during the Fatherland Liberation War (제1국방사단상징종대)
4. 2nd Lightly-armed Infantry Division Column during the Fatherland Liberation War (제2경보병사단상징종대)
5. 3rd Independent Infantry Brigade Column during the Fatherland Liberation War (제3독립보병려단상징종대)
6. 4th Infantry Division Column during the Fatherland Liberation War (제4보병사단상징종대)

• Corps-level Units

1. Guard Office of the Party Central Committee Column (당중앙위원회 호위처종대)
2. Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission Column (국무위원회 경위국종대)
3. Bodyguard Department Column (호위국종대)
4. Supreme Guard Command Column (호위사령부종대)
5. 1st Corps Column (제1군단종대)
6. 2nd Corps Column (제2군단종대)
7. 4th Corps Column (제4군단종대)
8. 5th Corps Column (제5군단종대)
9. Navy Column (해군종대)
10. Air Force Column (공군종대)
11. Strategic Force Column (전략군종대)
12. Special Operation Force Column (특수작전군종대)
13. 91st Corps Column (제91군단종대)
14. Anti-aircraft Artillery Corps Column (특수작전군종대)
15. 3rd Corps Column (제3군단종대)
16. 7th Corps Column (제7군단종대)
17. 8th Corps Column (제8군단종대)
18. 9th Corps Column (제9군단종대)
19. 10th Corps Column (제10군단종대)
20. 12th Corps Column (제12군단종대)
21. Tank Armour Division Column (땅크장갑사단종대)
22. Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105th Guards Armored Division Column (근위 서울류경수제105땅크사단종대)
23. 425th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제425기계화보병사단종대)
24. 108th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제108기계화보병사단종대)
25. 815th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제815기계화보병사단종대)
26. 806th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제806기계화보병사단종대)
27. Reconnaissance General Bureau Column (정찰총국종대)
28. 191 Command Intelligence Brigade Column (제191지휘정보려단종대)
29. 21st Engineer Brigade Column (제21공병려단종대)
30. 22nd Nuclearization Battalion Column (제22핵화학대대종대)
31. 208th Electronic Jammer Operations Unit Column (제208전자교란전대대종대)
32. 1st Mobile Hospital Column (제1기동병원종대)

• Universities and Military Schools of all levels

1. Kim Il Sung Military University Column (김일성군사종합대학종대)
2. Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics Column (김정일군정대학종대)
3. Kim Il Sung University of Politics Column (김일성정치대학종대)
4. Kim Jong Suk Naval University Column (김정숙명칭해군대학종대)
5. Kim Chaek Air Force University Column (김책명칭공군대학종대)
6. Kang Kon Military Academy Column (강건명칭종합군관학교종대)
7. O Jin U Artillery Academy Column (오진우명칭포병종합군관학교종대)
8. Revolutionary Schools Column (혁명학원종대)

Parades in honor of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic:

The parade celebrated the 40th anniversary of the republic.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NFRNaF5OUOQC&q=40th+anniversary+of+the+DPRK+Parade|title=Daily Report: China|date=November 27, 1988|publisher=Foreign Broadcast Information Service|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122131830/https://books.google.com/books?id=NFRNaF5OUOQC&q=40th+anniversary+of+the+DPRK+Parade|url-status=live}} A Polish film named Defilada (The Parade) was published in 1989 by Andrzej Fidyk, who was sent by the government of the Polish People's Republic to create a documentary on the parade as well as the larger 40th anniversary celebrations.{{Cite web|url=http://www.filmotekaszkolna.pl/tresc.php?id=81f5efff06e73e5&plyta_id=12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426070421/http://www.filmotekaszkolna.pl/tresc.php?id=81f5efff06e73e5&plyta_id=12|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2012|title=Filmoteka Szkolna - Człowiek zniewolony - analiza filmu "Defilada" Andrzeja Fidyka|date=April 26, 2012}} Chinese President Yang Shangkun as well as Bulgarian Premier Georgi Atanasov were in attendance.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2qYbAQAAMAAJ&q=40th+anniversary+of+the+DPRK+Parade|title=Daily Report: People's Republic of China|date=November 27, 1988|publisher=National Technical Information Service|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121025935/https://books.google.com/books?id=2qYbAQAAMAAJ&q=40th+anniversary+of+the+DPRK+Parade|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/165352|title=Wilson Center Digital Archive|website=digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org|access-date=2019-11-21|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122000954/https://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/document/165352|url-status=live}}

It celebrated the golden jubilee of the DPRK's establishment.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BuBwAAAAMAAJ&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1995|title=Vantage Point|date=November 27, 1998|publisher=Naewoe Press|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122153433/https://books.google.com/books?id=BuBwAAAAMAAJ&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1995|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FPtWAAAAMAAJ&q=Pak+Song-chol+at+parade|title=Summary of World Broadcasts: Asia, Pacific|date=November 27, 1998|publisher=British Broadcasting Corporation|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122155728/https://books.google.com/books?id=FPtWAAAAMAAJ&q=Pak+Song-chol+at+parade|url-status=live}} The massed bands included a tri-service element which included military bands from all the branches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2018/09/north-korea-missing-missiles-no-surprise|title='Missing' missiles at North Korea parade are no surprise|website=IISS|language=en|access-date=2019-11-13|archive-date=2018-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181221035016/https://www.iiss.org/blogs/military-balance/2018/09/north-korea-missing-missiles-no-surprise|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/north-korean-anniversary-1.191649?mode=amp|title=North Korean anniversary|website=www.irishtimes.com|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122051438/https://www.irishtimes.com/news/north-korean-anniversary-1.191649?mode=amp|url-status=live}}

It celebrated the 55th anniversary of independence. It was the largest parade seen in the country in over a decade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/archive/n-korea-prepares-military-parade-countrys-55th-anniversary-2003-09-08|title=N. Korea Prepares Military Parade for Country's 55th Anniversary - 2003-09-08|website=Voice of America|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123235147/https://www.voanews.com/archive/n-korea-prepares-military-parade-countrys-55th-anniversary-2003-09-08|url-status=dead}} Contrary to what was speculated, the hour and a half parade did not feature any new missiles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/east/09/09/nkorea.parade/|title=CNN - Parade marks N. Korea anniversary - Sep. 9, 2003|website=CNN|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122180616/https://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/east/09/09/nkorea.parade/|url-status=live}} Only medium range missiles were displayed in the hardware section.{{Cite web|url=https://news.joins.com/article/225376|title=북한, 9·9절 군사퍼레이드서 노동미사일 공개|website=JoongAng Ilbo|access-date=2019-11-27|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117210101/https://news.joins.com/article/225376|url-status=live}} The parade was the last appearance of Pak Song-chol, Premier of North Korea from 1976 to 1977.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gP_-8rXzQs8C&q=Pak+Song-chol+at+military+parade+2003&pg=PA2463|title=The Europa World Year: Kazakhstan - Zimbabwe|date=November 27, 2004|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=9781857432558|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124034505/https://books.google.com/books?id=gP_-8rXzQs8C&q=Pak+Song-chol+at+military+parade+2003&pg=PA2463|url-status=live}}

It celebrated the diamond jubilee of the foundation of the republic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nysun.com/foreign/n-korea-to-stage-military-parade-for-national-day/85453/|title=N. Korea To Stage Military Parade for National Day|website=The New York Sun|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113034952/https://www.nysun.com/foreign/n-korea-to-stage-military-parade-for-national-day/85453/|url-status=live}} It was noted for the absence of General Secretary Kim Jong Il, which caused speculation on his state of health.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kim-jong-il-sick-stroke-rumors-circulate/|title=Kim Jong Il Sick? Stroke Rumors Circulate|website=CBS News|date=9 September 2008 |access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113034540/https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kim-jong-il-sick-stroke-rumors-circulate/|url-status=live}} Many intelligence agencies in the United States believed Kim might be "gravely ill" after suffering from a stroke, which caused his absence from the parade.{{cite news|url=http://www.startribune.com/nation/28048604.html |title=North Korea's Kim Jong Il may be gravely ill, jeopardizing progress on halting nukes |author=Pamela Hess and Matthew Lee |work=Star Tribune |date=10 September 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080911223358/http://www.startribune.com/nation/28048604.html |archive-date=11 September 2008 |access-date=19 December 2011 |url-status=dead}} Only the Worker-Peasant Red Guards took part, providing personnel and equipment for the march past and the mobile column.

It celebrated the 63rd anniversary of independence. It marked one of the last appearances by Kim Jong Il and his successor Kim Jong Un together.{{Cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-korea-north-parade-idUKTRE7881WH20110909|title=North Korea military parade highlights leadership succession|date=September 9, 2011|website=Reuters UK|access-date=November 27, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113162446/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-korea-north-parade-idUKTRE7881WH20110909|url-status=dead}} The parade followed the former's return from a state visit to Russia.{{cite web|last=Laurence|first=Jeremy|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-north-parade-idUSTRE7881UC20110909|title=North Korea military parade shows leader's succession on course|work=Reuters|date=9 September 2011|access-date=19 April 2013|archive-date=3 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160103020452/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-korea-north-parade-idUSTRE7881UC20110909|url-status=live}} Just like in 2008, the Worker-Peasant Red Guards made up the majority of the parading units.

The parade marked the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the republic, Worker-Peasant Red Guards made up the majority of the parading units.{{Cite web|url=https://mobile.reuters.com/news/picture/north-koreas-65th-anniversary-idUSRTX13EE9|title=North Korea's 65th anniversary|website=mobile.reuters.com|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117163317/https://mobile.reuters.com/news/picture/north-koreas-65th-anniversary-idUSRTX13EE9|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/55225f2351a244c98123f0bbf799a97b|title=North Korea's leader silent at military parade|website=AP NEWS|date=9 September 2013 |access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117163315/https://apnews.com/55225f2351a244c98123f0bbf799a97b|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_OyXBgAAQBAJ&q=september+9+2013+parade+in+pyongyang&pg=PA23|title=North and South Korea|first=Rice|last=Earle|date=June 10, 2014|publisher=Mitchell Lane Publishers, Inc.|isbn=9781612286259|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122202924/https://books.google.com/books?id=_OyXBgAAQBAJ&q=september+9+2013+parade+in+pyongyang&pg=PA23|url-status=live}}

In 2018, North Korea marked the 70th anniversary of its foundation. The parade was inspected by Vice Marshal Ri Yong-gil{{Cite web|url=http://www.nkleadershipwatch.org/2018/09/18/parade-and-demonstration-held-to-mark-dprks-birthday/|title=Parade and Demonstration Held to Mark DPRK's Birthday | North Korea Leadership Watch|website=www.nkleadershipwatch.org|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104332/http://www.nkleadershipwatch.org/2018/09/18/parade-and-demonstration-held-to-mark-dprks-birthday/|url-status=live}} and saw the introduction of new camouflage inspection vehicles.http://www.rodong.rep.kp/article_contents_en/2018/09/10/photo/2018-09-10-01-0012.jpg {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102054711/http://www.rodong.rep.kp/article_contents_en/2018/09/10/photo/2018-09-10-01-0012.jpg |date=2019-01-02 }} {{Bare URL image|date=March 2022}} It also saw the rare refrain from displaying intercontinental ballistic missiles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/north-korea-holds-military-parade-without-showing-icbms-10699204|title=North Korea holds military parade, without showing ICBMs|website=CNA|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109212626/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/north-korea-holds-military-parade-without-showing-icbms-10699204|url-status=live}} Russian Federation Council Chairman Valentina Matviyenko and Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, as well as delegations from Cuba, Syria, Lebanon, the State of Palestine, Uganda, and South Africa were in attendance during the celebrations.{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/politics/1020375/amp|title=Russian upper house speaker Matviyenko to pay official visit to N. Korea|date=7 September 2018|website=tass.com|access-date=9 September 2018|archive-date=9 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909035415/http://tass.com/politics/1020375/amp|url-status=live}} General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party Xi Jinping was expected to attend the parade during his state visit to North Korea on 9 September, but cancelled his attendance, instead sending Li Zhanshu, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/chinas-xi-to-make-first-official-visit-to-pyongyang-for-north-koreas-70th-anniversary|title=China's Xi to make first official visit to Pyongyang for North Korea's 70th anniversary|first=Amy|last=Lieu|date=19 August 2018|website=Fox News|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=28 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828235205/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/08/19/chinas-xi-to-make-first-official-visit-to-pyongyang-for-north-koreas-70th-anniversary.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-north-korea/chinese-president-xi-to-visit-north-korea-next-month-straits-times-idUSKBN1L3050|title=Chinese President Xi to visit North Korea next month: Straits Times|date=18 August 2018|website=Reuters|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=8 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180908164658/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-north-korea/chinese-president-xi-to-visit-north-korea-next-month-straits-times-idUSKBN1L3050|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2163237/theres-no-point-asking-why-xi-jinping-isnt-going-north-korea|title=Don't ask why Xi isn't going to North Korea. Ask: why would he?|date=September 8, 2018|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=November 27, 2019|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219201318/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2163237/theres-no-point-asking-why-xi-jinping-isnt-going-north-korea|url-status=live}} U.S. president Donald Trump displayed the parade as an accomplishment in the Korean peace process, noting the lack of ICBMs that were paraded.

In 2021, a civilian, internal and paramilitary forces parade took place on the midnight leading up to 9 September.{{Cite web|url = https://www.nknews.org/2021/09/preparations-ramp-up-for-north-korean-military-parade-in-pyongyang/|title = Preparations ramp up for North Korean military parade in Pyongyang | NK News|date = 8 September 2021|access-date = 11 September 2021|archive-date = 11 September 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210911025247/https://www.nknews.org/2021/09/preparations-ramp-up-for-north-korean-military-parade-in-pyongyang/|url-status = live}} This parade did not feature the Korean People's Army Ground Force and no associated heavy weaponry; it instead featured the Worker-Peasant Red Guards of various provinces and the Ministry of Public Security. Other units featured were the firefighters of Pyongyang, Air Koryo, Ministry of Railways, Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, Huichon Ryonha Machine Factory, Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, Rakwon General Machine Enterprise, Chollima Steel Complex, Ryongsong Machine Complex, Sunchon Area Youth Coal Mining Complex, Pyongyang Kim Jong Suk Textile Mill, Ministry of Public Health, State Academy of Sciences, people involved in culture, Kim Il Sung University, Kim Chaek University of Technology and the Young Red Guards. Parachutists carrying the national flag landed in Kim Il-sung Square and various aircraft overflew the square, shooting flares.{{Cite web|url=http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cforev&stype=2&ctype=3&mtype=view&no=36551|title=Parade of Paramilitary and Public Security Forces Celebrates 73rd Founding Anniversary of DPRK|access-date=2021-09-13|archive-date=2021-09-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913020453/http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cforev&stype=2&ctype=3&mtype=view&no=36551|url-status=live}} The WPK PAD Director Ri Il-hwan made a speech at the parade.{{Cite web|title=Rodong Sinmun|url=http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2021-09-09-0005|access-date=2021-09-09|website=rodong.rep.kp|archive-date=2021-09-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909082408/http://www.rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2021-09-09-0005|url-status=live}}

North Korea's Leader Kim Jong Un presided over a meeting on August 10, 2023 which the Central Military Commission of the WPK discussed preparations for the upcoming Military Parade marking the 75th (Diamond Jubilee) Anniversary of the Founding of the Republic in Pyongyang. It was expected that the parade would be more focusing on the country's militia forces, mostly the Worker-Peasant Red Guards. The parade was held as scheduled.

The columns of the troops are as follows:{{Cite web|url=http://kcna.kp/en/article/q/aa17e6dc539b4550173d6a703573199a.kcmsf|title=Paramilitary Parade Held to Celebrate 75th Birthday of DPRK

|website=Korean Central News Agency|date=9 September 2023|access-date=19 September 2023}}

1. Capital city Party members division
2. Pyongyang Municipality branch
3. North Phyongan Province branch
4. South Phyongan Province branch
5. North Hwanghae Province branch
6. South Hwanghae Province branch
7. Jagang Province branch
8. Kangwon Province branch
9. North Hamgyong Province branch
10. South Hamgyong Province branch
11. Ryanggang Province branch
12. Nampo City branch
13. Rason City branch
14. Kaesong City branch
15. Kim Il Sung University branch
16. Kim Chaek University of Technology branch
17. Hwanghae Iron and Steel Complex branch
18. Namhung Youth Chemical Complex branch
19. Pukchang Thermal Power Complex branch
20. Sunchon Area Youth Coal Mining Complex branch
21. Ryongsung Machinery Combined Corporation branch
22. Sangwon Cement Complex branch
23. Korean State Railway branch
24. Kim Jong Suk Pyongyang Textile Mill branch
25. Wonhwa Farm of Phyongwon County branch
26. State Academy of Sciences branch
27. Ministry of Culture branch
28. Ministry of Physical Culture and Sports branch
29. Ministry of Public Health branch
30. Young Red Guards

Parades in honor of Party Foundation Day:

File:North Korea Victory Day 184 (9492050117).jpg in 1994, every march past at large-scale North Korean military parades from 1997 to 2018 would be led by a black limousine carrying a red flag with Kim Il Sung's portrait.]]

Celebrated the 50th golden jubilee anniversary of the WPK.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/N-Korea-50th-Anniversary-Of-Workers-Party-Parade/31358ef535584da693bcfa91a54b14d5?searchfilter=Compilations%2FPeople%2FN.Korea+-+50th+Anniversary+Of+Workers+Party+Parade%2F19617|title=N.Korea - 50th Anniversary Of Workers Party Parade | AP Archive|website=www.aparchive.com|access-date=2019-11-27|archive-date=2019-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123103105/http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/N-Korea-50th-Anniversary-Of-Workers-Party-Parade/31358ef535584da693bcfa91a54b14d5?searchfilter=Compilations%2FPeople%2FN.Korea+-+50th+Anniversary+Of+Workers+Party+Parade%2F19617|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5C0QAQAAMAAJ&q=50th+anniversary+of+the+workers+party+of+korea+parade|title=Korea Annual|first=Shin|last=Ki-sop|date=November 27, 2004|publisher=Hapdong News Agency.|isbn=9788974330705|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104330/https://books.google.com/books?id=5C0QAQAAMAAJ&q=50th+anniversary+of+the+workers+party+of+korea+parade|url-status=live}} The parade was the first of its kind held in the country. It was the first parade presided by Kim Jong Il as leader of the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/image-gallery/f84ba8a2ab670890a8d226616b459638|title=The life of Kim Jong Il|website=www.dailytelegraph.com.au}} Defence minister Choe Kwang delivered the keynote address at the ceremony.{{Cite web|url=https://reuters.screenocean.com/record/1010905|title=Reuters Archive Licensing|website=Reuters Archive Licensing|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117201807/https://reuters.screenocean.com/record/1010905|url-status=live}}

Celebrated the 55th anniversary of the WPK.

It celebrated the 60th anniversary of the WPK.{{Cite web|url=http://www.asianews.it/news-en/North-Korea-marks-60th-anniversary-of-Workers%27-Party-4321.html|title=North Korea marks 60th anniversary of Workers' Party|website=www.asianews.it|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117194912/http://www.asianews.it/news-en/North-Korea-marks-60th-anniversary-of-Workers%27-Party-4321.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-oct-19-fg-pyongyang19-story.html|title=North Korea Marks a 60th Anniversary|date=October 19, 2005|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122030900/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-oct-19-fg-pyongyang19-story.html|url-status=live}}

Celebrated the 65th anniversary of the WPK. It was the first time Kim Jong Il's successor Kim Jong Un had appeared at a military parade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/kim-jong-uns-debut/|title=Kim Jong Un's Debut|website=CBS News|date=20 October 2010 |access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122024817/https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/kim-jong-uns-debut/|url-status=live}} This appearance came two weeks after Kim was made Kim Jong Un was made a daejang (four-star general) and was appointed Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea.{{Cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130421381|title=N. Korean Official: Nation Will Serve Kim Jong Un|first1=Yang Hyong|last1=Sop|newspaper=NPR|date=8 October 2010|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122214721/https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=130421381|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newser.com/story/102574/korea-fetes-heir-with-massive-parade.html|title=Korea Fetes Heir With Massive Parade | Newser|website=amp.newser.com|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122025149/https://amp.newser.com/story/102574/korea-fetes-heir-with-massive-parade.html|url-status=live}} This was seen as a sign of Kim's future as the next leader of the country. This was the first parade to allow full international press access, an unprecedented decision.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/world/asia/10korea.html|work=The New York Times|title=Kim Jong-il's Heir Attends Parade|date=9 October 2010|author=Mark McDonald|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=30 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630234418/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/world/asia/10korea.html|url-status=live}} Chief of the General Staff Ri Yong-ho gave the keynote speech.{{Cite web|url=https://durangoherald.com/amp/14830-n-koreas-kim-heir-appear-at-lavish-parade|title=N. Korea's Kim, heir appear at lavish parade|website=durangoherald.com|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121214152/https://durangoherald.com/amp/14830-n-koreas-kim-heir-appear-at-lavish-parade|url-status=live}} It displayed new surface-to-air missiles that resembled the S-300 and the HQ-9.{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zCbVDgAAQBAJ&q=parade+in+north+korea+1985&pg=PA16|title=North Korean Threat|first=Douglas C. Jr.|last=Lovelace|date=July 27, 2017|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=9780190255350|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104329/https://books.google.com/books?id=zCbVDgAAQBAJ&q=parade+in+north+korea+1985&pg=PA16|url-status=live}} The central chant of the parade was: "Kim Jong Il! Protect him to the death! Kim Jong Il, let's unite to support him!"{{Cite web|url=https://www.tulsaworld.com/archive/north-korea-s-kim-heir-apparent-son-at-lavish-parade/article_e5218d3c-965f-5a68-ad1c-7a4e9cc4451d.amp.html|title=North Korea's Kim, heir apparent son at lavish parade | Archive | tulsaworld.com|website=www.tulsaworld.com|date=10 October 2010 |access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2021-01-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122024900/https://tulsaworld.com/archive/north-korea-s-kim-heir-apparent-son-at-lavish-parade/article_e5218d3c-965f-5a68-ad1c-7a4e9cc4451d.amp.html|url-status=live}} It was the last time the Mercedes-Benz 600 was used in a military parade.{{cite news |url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/20/2010122001136.html |title=Kim Jong-un 'Loves Nukes, Computer Games and Johnny Walker' |newspaper=The Chosun Ilbo |edition=English |date=20 December 2010 |access-date=18 June 2016 |archive-date=17 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417065308/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/12/20/2010122001136.html |url-status=live }}

The parade marked the 70th anniversary of the WPK.{{Cite web|url=https://avax.news/fact/North_Korea_Celebrates_Anniversary.html|title=North Korea Celebrates Anniversary|website=avax.news|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117184247/https://avax.news/fact/North_Korea_Celebrates_Anniversary.html|url-status=live}} It was delayed for several hours due to thunderstorms that took place the night before.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/huge-parade-marks-north-korean-workers-party-70th-anniversary/a-18774130|title=N. Korea's ruling party marks 70 years|website=amp.dw.com|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117184755/https://amp.dw.com/en/huge-parade-marks-north-korean-workers-party-70th-anniversary/a-18774130|url-status=live}} The parade did not feature any new weapons such as UAVs or ballistic missiles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/north-korea/historic-north-korean-parade-shows-kim-jong-uns-military-might-n442526|title=Historic North Korean Parade Shows Kim Jong Un's Military Might|website=www.nbcnews.com|date=11 October 2015 |access-date=2019-11-27|archive-date=2019-09-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190925025546/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/north-korea/historic-north-korean-parade-shows-kim-jong-uns-military-might-n442526|url-status=live}} Chinese First Secretary of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party Liu Yunshan was in attendance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-parades-missiles-says-ready-any-war-u-s-n442191|title=North Korea Parades Missiles, Says 'Ready' for Any War With U.S.|website=www.nbcnews.com|date=10 October 2015 |access-date=2019-11-27|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108103144/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/north-korea-parades-missiles-says-ready-any-war-u-s-n442191|url-status=live}} It also preceded the announcement of the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea. Among the parade formations was the Paektusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade, which came to Pyongyang at the personal request of Kim Jong Un.{{Cite web|url=http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cfonew&stype=0&mtype=view&no=26303|title=An Unusual Column of Military Parade|access-date=2021-02-01|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104331/http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cfonew&stype=0&mtype=view&no=26303|url-status=live}}

The 2020 parade marked the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the WPK.{{Cite web|url = https://www.nknews.org/2020/06/north-korea-preparing-military-parade-for-october-says-seouls-defense-ministry/|title = North Korea preparing for military parade in October, South Korea says | NK News|date = 22 June 2020|access-date = 4 August 2020|archive-date = 3 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200803141518/https://www.nknews.org/2020/06/north-korea-preparing-military-parade-for-october-says-seouls-defense-ministry/|url-status = live}} The parade was held in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many foreign observers noticing the lack of facemasks in the parade and in the audience stands.{{Cite news|last=Smith|first=Hyonhee Shin, Josh|date=2020-10-10|title=North Korea unveils 'monster' new intercontinental ballistic missile at parade|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-idUSKBN26V01K|access-date=2020-10-10|archive-date=2022-03-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325122647/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-missiles-idUSKBN26V01K|url-status=live}} The Kim Jong Un National Defense University participated in the parade for the first time. The school dean was put in charge of the school's preparation for the parade and a former soldier with "relevant experience" served as flag bearer for the KJU University colour.{{cite web | url=https://www.dailynk.com/english/kim-jong-un-national-defense-university-students-participate-october-military-parade/ | title=KJU National Defense University students to participate in Oct. Military parade | date=31 July 2020 | access-date=4 August 2020 | archive-date=5 August 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805010917/https://www.dailynk.com/english/kim-jong-un-national-defense-university-students-participate-october-military-parade/ | url-status=live }} Renovations to the viewing platform om Kim Il Sung Square were made for the parade, with a new marble viewing platform replacing the previous one used for parades.{{Cite web|url = https://www.nknews.org/pro/work-on-pyongyang-central-square-continues-ahead-of-military-parade-photos-show/|title = Work on Pyongyang central square continues ahead of military parade, photos show|date = 29 July 2020|access-date = 4 August 2020|archive-date = 1 August 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200801024224/https://www.nknews.org/pro/work-on-pyongyang-central-square-continues-ahead-of-military-parade-photos-show/|url-status = live}}{{Cite web|date=2020-10-06|title=Pyongyang Gears Up for Major Workers' Party Anniversary Events {{!}} 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea|url=https://www.38north.org/2020/10/pyongyang100620/|access-date=2020-10-12|website=38 North|language=en|archive-date=2020-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012053246/https://www.38north.org/2020/10/pyongyang100620/|url-status=live}} Also, it was the first to be held at midnight, and saw the return of the Soviet style goose-step as the official parade step of all KPA formations. Additionally, Chinese military influences were also observed, such as the style of flag raising and turning of heads during parade inspection. Formations of military academy officers were dressed in a new redesigned full dress uniform that bore similarities to the Russian military uniform that was introduced in 2017. Generals, marshals and admirals wore new double-breasted dress uniforms based on those worn by Zhukov, Rokossovsky and other World War II Soviet marshals, generals and admirals at the Moscow Victory Parade of 1945. In addition new uniforms debuted which featured digital camouflage, replacing the classic combat uniforms that were used for many years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36999/kim-jong-un-just-showed-the-world-the-war-machine-he-built-while-feinting-diplomacy|title=Kim Jong Un Just Showed the World the War Machine He Built While Feinting Diplomacy|date=10 October 2020|access-date=11 October 2020|archive-date=11 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011015906/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/36999/kim-jong-un-just-showed-the-world-the-war-machine-he-built-while-feinting-diplomacy|url-status=live}} The massed military bands performed an exhibition drill routine, shaping the numbers "10.10", "1945", and "2020" during the prelude to the parade.{{Cite web|date=2020-10-10|title=North Korea unveils new weapons at military parade|url=https://apnews.com/article/seoul-south-korea-north-korea-parades-kim-il-sung-7546d192ecb97af563e797006684bb17|access-date=2020-10-10|website=AP NEWS|archive-date=2020-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010082228/https://apnews.com/article/seoul-south-korea-north-korea-parades-kim-il-sung-7546d192ecb97af563e797006684bb17|url-status=live}} In the mobile column, the most notable addition to the parade were four liquid-fueled ICBMs, unveiled for the first time since 2018.{{Cite news|last1=Denyer|first1=Simon|last2=Kim|first2=Min Joo|title=North Korea parades huge, new ICBM, but Kim Jong Un stresses deterrent nature|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/northkorea-military-parade-missile-icbm/2020/10/10/f6f13a74-0869-11eb-8719-0df159d14794_story.html|access-date=2020-10-10|issn=0190-8286|archive-date=2020-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010224248/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/northkorea-military-parade-missile-icbm/2020/10/10/f6f13a74-0869-11eb-8719-0df159d14794_story.html|url-status=live}} This parade also introduced a new main battle tank that had not previously been seen, the unofficially named M2020.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}

Parades in honor of the National Liberation Day of Korea and the Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War:

The 1949 Liberation day parade was the first parade held since the DPRK's establishment.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pAlDAQAAIAAJ&q=military+parade+on+august+15+north+korea|title=The Illustrated London News|date=July 27, 1950|publisher=Illustrated London News & Sketch Limited|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104344/https://books.google.com/books?id=pAlDAQAAIAAJ&q=military+parade+on+august+15+north+korea|url-status=live}} Held at Pyongyang Station, it celebrated the 4th liberation anniversary. A parade was held again in 1953 after the end of the Korean War,{{Cite web|title=Demonstration of the KPA in the Military Parade|url=http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?ptype=cfonew&stype=0&ctype=0&lang=eng&mtype=view&no=32918|access-date=2021-02-14|website=Uriminzokkiri|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104331/http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?ptype=cfonew&stype=0&ctype=0&lang=eng&mtype=view&no=32918|url-status=live}} and then conducted every year until 1960. The 1960 parade celebrated the 15th anniversary of liberation.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iSMjAQAAMAAJ&q=military+parade+on+august+15+north+korea|title=Daily Report: Foreign Radio Broadcasts|date=November 27, 1960|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104326/https://books.google.com/books?id=iSMjAQAAMAAJ&q=military+parade+on+august+15+north+korea|url-status=live}} It was the last parade to be held until 1985.{{Cite web|url=https://apnews.com/e322b9d0eaec416798ab3fec3739c4e5|title=N. Korean military parades: Propaganda, intimidation, unity|date=September 8, 2018|website=AP NEWS|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115182939/https://apnews.com/e322b9d0eaec416798ab3fec3739c4e5|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/north-korean-military-parades-propaganda-intimidation-unity/story-T3iCFPPkyr22nT0e4DKMfM.html|title=North Korean military parades: Propaganda, intimidation, unity|website=hindustantimes.com|date=8 September 2018|access-date=27 November 2019|archive-date=17 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117183857/https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/north-korean-military-parades-propaganda-intimidation-unity/story-T3iCFPPkyr22nT0e4DKMfM.html|url-status=live}}

The parade was part of country's 40th anniversary of liberation ceremonies. In attendance was First Deputy Premier of the Soviet Union and future President of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iegQB03W4GMC&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1985&pg=RA3-PA10|title=Appearances of Soviet Leaders|date=November 27, 1982|publisher=U.S. Central Intelligence Agency|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104330/https://books.google.com/books?id=iegQB03W4GMC&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1985&pg=RA3-PA10|url-status=live}} The North Korean Koksan self-propelled gun was unveiled at the parade.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hyPfAAAAMAAJ&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1985&pg=PA41|title=North Korea: The Foundations for Military Strength|date=November 27, 1991|publisher=Defense Intelligence Agency|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104359/https://books.google.com/books?id=hyPfAAAAMAAJ&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1985&pg=PA41|url-status=live}} Other notable attendees included O Jin-u, Kim Jong Il, and Marshal Vasily Petrov (Commander-in-Chief of the Soviet Army).{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QvMecaz15EwC&q=military+parade+on+august+15+north+korea|title=Daily Report: Asia & Pacific|date=August 27, 1985|publisher=The Service|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104339/https://books.google.com/books?id=QvMecaz15EwC&q=military+parade+on+august+15+north+korea|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uZy642MGwj0C&q=40th+anniversary+of+the+liberation+of+korea&pg=PA67|title=Defense Policy in the Reagan Administration|first1=William P.|last1=Snyder|first2=James|last2=Brown|date=March 27, 1997|publisher=DIANE Publishing|isbn=9780788141461|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104327/https://books.google.com/books?id=uZy642MGwj0C&q=40th+anniversary+of+the+liberation+of+korea&pg=PA67|url-status=live}}

This parade celebrated the ruby jubilee of the Korean armistice.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj4EAQAAIAAJ&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1972|title=North Korea News|date=November 27, 1993|publisher=Naewoe Press|via=Google Books|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104327/https://books.google.com/books?id=Lj4EAQAAIAAJ&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1972|url-status=live}}{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KDPf-ISnmwQC&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1993&pg=PA216|title=Crisis in Korea|first=Yossef|last=Bodansky|date=November 27, 1994|publisher=SP Books|isbn=9781561713325|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104331/https://books.google.com/books?id=KDPf-ISnmwQC&q=parade+in+pyongyang+1993&pg=PA216|url-status=live}} It was the first one of its kind held in its honor and the only one held for 20 years.{{Cite web|url=https://news.joins.com/article/12193741|title=[사진] 북, 20년 만에 정전기념일 군사 퍼레이드|website=JoongAng Ilbo|date=29 July 2013|access-date=27 November 2019|archive-date=17 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117202031/https://news.joins.com/article/12193741|url-status=live}}

File:North Korea's ballistic missile - Victory Day Military Parade 27 June 2013 video 01.ogvs during a Victory Day, 27 July 2013]]

It celebrated the diamond jubilee since the armistice.{{Cite web|url=https://rus.azattyq.org/a/25058706.html|title=В Северной Корее прошел военный парад|website=rus.azattyq.org|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113002336/https://rus.azattyq.org/amp/25058706.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-retro-futuristic-spectacle-of-military-parades-in-n-1123783925/amp|title=The Retro-Futuristic Spectacle of Military Parades in North Korea|website=io9.gizmodo.com|date=13 August 2013 |access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116041214/https://io9.gizmodo.com/the-retro-futuristic-spectacle-of-military-parades-in-n-1123783925/amp|url-status=live}} It was attended by representatives of veterans groups from China and the DPRK, with Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao attending on behalf of Xi Jinping.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} It was also attended by Chinese volunteers who fought on the side of the DPRK as part of People's Volunteer Army.{{Cite web|url=https://ru.euronews.com/2013/07/27/lavish-military-parade-in-pyongyang-marks-60th-anniversary-of-korean-war-|title=60 лет перемирия: военный парад в Пхеньяне, торжественная церемония в Сеуле|date=July 27, 2013|website=euronews|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113002543/https://ru.euronews.com/2013/07/27/lavish-military-parade-in-pyongyang-marks-60th-anniversary-of-korean-war-|url-status=live}}

Outside of Vice President Li, attending dignitaries included the following:{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2013/07/which-foreign-faces-stood-out-at-north-koreas-military-parade/|title=Which foreign faces stood out at North Korea's military parade? | NK News|date=July 29, 2013|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113022536/https://www.nknews.org/2013/07/which-foreign-faces-stood-out-at-north-koreas-military-parade/|url-status=live}}

• Former PLA Air Force commander Yu Zhenwu
• Mongolian Vice Minister of Defense Avirmed Battor
• Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran Sayed Hamidreza Tabatabaei
• Vice President of Uganda Edward Ssekandi{{Cite web|first=Kirumira|last=Owebikwekweeto|title=Ssekandi Attends Korean War Armistice Anniversary In Pyongyang – Red Pepper Uganda|date=29 July 2013|url=https://www.redpepper.co.ug/2013/07/ssekandi-attends-korean-war-armistice-anniversary-in-pyongyang/|access-date=2021-02-14|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508223422/https://redpepper.co.ug/2013/07/ssekandi-attends-korean-war-armistice-anniversary-in-pyongyang/|url-status=live}}
• Vice President of Zambia Guy Scott{{Cite web|date=2013-07-29|title=Zambia : Vice President Guy Scott concludes his official visit to North Korea|url=https://www.lusakatimes.com/2013/07/29/vice-president-guy-scott-concludes-his-official-visit-to-north-korea/|access-date=2021-02-14|website=LusakaTimes.com|language=en-GB|archive-date=2014-07-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140731063443/http://www.lusakatimes.com/2013/07/29/vice-president-guy-scott-concludes-his-official-visit-to-north-korea/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=26 July 2013|title=Guy Scott Heads to North Korea|url=https://zambiareports.com/2013/07/26/guy-scott-heads-to-north-korea/|website=|access-date=14 February 2021|archive-date=22 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022212154/http://zambiareports.com/2013/07/26/guy-scott-heads-to-north-korea/|url-status=live}}
• Assistant Secretary-General of the National Command of the Syrian Ba'ath Party Abdullah al-Ahmar
• Deputy Chairman of the Russian Society of Veterans of the Korean War Janus Kanov{{Cite web|url=https://tass.ru/obschestvo/551626/amp|title=Российские ветераны Корейской войны награждены орденом КНДР|access-date=2021-02-03|archive-date=2022-08-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104346/https://tass.ru/obschestvo/551626/amp|url-status=live}}

Politburo member U Tong-chuk appeared at the parade after a 17-month absence.[http://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/2013/08/07/former-minister-of-peoples-security-ju-sang-song-appeared-at-war-anniversary-events/ Former Minister of People's Security Ju Sang Song Appeared at War Anniversary Events] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116145810/https://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/2013/08/07/former-minister-of-peoples-security-ju-sang-song-appeared-at-war-anniversary-events/ |date=2019-11-16 }}. North Korea Leadership Watch. Choe Ryong-hae, the director of the KPA General Political Bureau delivered the keynote address, saying that "a peaceful environment is important for the country that gives priority to economic construction and improvement of the lives of our people".{{Cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-07/28/content_16842534.htm|title=DPRK stages military parade[1]- Chinadaily.com.cn|website=www.chinadaily.com.cn|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-11-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113023315/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-07/28/content_16842534.htm|url-status=live}} American-made MD Helicopters MD 500 were unveiled during the parade.

{{multiple image

| align = right

| total_width = 500

| image1 =

| alt1 =

| caption1 = Columns inspected by Ri Pyong-chol and Kang Sun-nam

| image2 =

| alt2 =

| caption2 = Columns marching down the square

| image3 =

| alt3 =

| caption3 = Mechanized column

}}

Prior to the anniversary day, analysis suggested that North Korea would hold a military parade to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the armistice by satellite imagery observation of the country's military, where they were seen doing practice and rehearsal for the upcoming parade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/pro/north-korea-confirms-july-27-holiday-for-next-major-military-parade-imagery/|title=North Korea confirms July 27 holiday for next major military parade: Imagery|website=www.nknews.org|date=12 June 2023|access-date=27 June 2023}}

The parade was held on the night of the anniversary day where delegates from Russia and China was invited to the parade. This is the first time North Korea invited foreign delegates to the country's military parade since the COVID-19 pandemic. The parade displayed the country's latest defence arsenal such as airborne and underwater drones.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nknews.org/2023/07/new-drones-conduct-flyovers-as-north-korea-shows-off-nukes-at-military-parade/|title=New drones conduct flyovers as North Korea shows off nukes at military parade|website=www.nknews.org|date=28 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023}} Once more Kim Jong-un did not make the keynote address that night, instead Kang Sun-nam was delegated to give the address to the nation.

The columns of the troops are as follows:{{Cite web|url=http://www.uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cforev&stype=2&ctype=3&mtype=view&no=48422|title=Grand Military Parade Held to Celebrate 70th Anniversary of Great War Victory|website=Uriminzokkiri/|date=28 July 2023|access-date=31 July 2023|archive-date=31 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731171636/http://www.uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cforev&stype=2&ctype=3&mtype=view&no=48422|url-status=dead}}

• Historical Division of the KPA during the Fatherland Liberation War

1. Wartime Officers Column, with the portrait of Kim Il Sung (조국해방전쟁시기 지휘관종대)
2. Bodyguard Company (조국해방전쟁시기 친위중대)
3. Guards Kang Kon 2nd Infantry Division Column (근위 강건제2보병사단)
4. Guards Seoul 3rd Infantry Division Column (근위 서울제3보병사단)
5. Seoul Kim Chaek 4th Infantry Division Column (근위 서울김책제4보병사단)
6. Guards 6th Infantry Division Column (근위 제6보병사단)
7. Andong 12th Infantry Division Column (안동 제12보병사단)
8. Composite Battalion Column from 10th, 18th, 14th and 86th Guards Infantry Divisions (근위보병련대들)
9. 56th Guard Fighter Aircraft Regiment Column (근위 제56추격기련대)
10. Second Torpedo Boat Squadron Column (근위 제2어뢰정대)
11. Railway Soldiers Column (조국해방전쟁시기 철도병부대)
12. Ministry of Social Security Column (내무성 군대)
13. Guerilla Battalion Column of Socialist Patriotic Youth League and Korean Children's Union (조국해방전쟁시기 소년 및 남녀빨찌산종대)
14. Mechanized Contingent Column consisting Seoul Occupation Unit (조국해방전쟁시기 서울점령부대), Guards Anti-air Artillery Regiments (근위고사포병련대들) and Heavy Machinegun Carriages (중기마차종대)

• Honor Guards and Corps-level Units

1. Honorary Cavalrymen Column (명예기병종대)
2. Security Office of the WPK Central Committee Column (당중앙위원회 호위처종대)
3. Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission Column (국무위원회 경위국종대)
4. Bodyguard Department Column (호위국종대)
5. Supreme Guard Command Column (호위사령부종대)
6. 1st Corps Column (제1군단종대)
7. 2nd Corps Column (제2군단종대)
8. 5th Corps Column (제5군단종대)
9. 4th Corps Column (제4군단종대)
10. Navy Column (해군종대)
11. Air Force Column (공군종대)
12. Strategic Forces Column (전략군종대)
13. Special Operation Forces Column (특수작전군종대)
14. Mountain Warfare Unit Column (적후산악활동부대종대)
15. 41st Amphibious Shock Battalion Column (제41상륙돌격대대종대)
16. 91st Corps Column (제91군단종대)
17. Pyongyang Anti-aircraft Missile Corps Column (평양지구반항공미싸일사단종대)
18. 3rd Corps Column (제3군단종대)
19. 7th Corps Column (제7군단종대)
20. 8th Corps Column (제8군단종대)
21. 9th Corps Column (제9군단종대)
22. 10th Corps Column (제10군단종대)
23. 12th Corps Column (제12군단종대)
24. Tank Armour Division Column (땅크장갑사단종대)
25. Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105th Guards Armored Division Column (근위 서울류경수제105땅끄사단종대)
26. 425th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제425기계화보병사단종대)
27. 108th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제108기계화보병사단종대)
28. 815th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제815기계화보병사단종대)
29. 806th Mechanized Infantry Division Column (제806기계화보병사단종대)
30. Reconnaissance General Bureau Column (정찰총국종대)

• Universities and Military Schools of all levels

1. Kim Il Sung Military University Column (김일성군사종합대학종대)
2. Kim Jong Il University of Military and Politics Column (김정일군정대학종대)
3. Kim Il Sung University of Politics Column (김일성정치대학종대)
4. Mangyongdae Revolutionary School Column (만경대혁명학원종대)
5. Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary School Column (강반석혁명학원종대)

• Worker-Peasant Red Guards, Ministry of State Security and Civil Defence

1. Worker-Peasant Red Guards Column (로농적위군종대)
2. Ministry of State Security Column (국가보위성종대)
3. Ministry of Social Security Column (사회안전성종대)
4. Social Security Forces SWAT and K9 Composite Battalion Column (사회안전군 무장기동부대종대)

• Mechanized Columns

1. M2020 tank x6
2. KN-25 x6
3. Launch vehicle of Hwasal-2 x6
4. Launch vehicle of Hwasong-11A (KN-23) x6
5. Launch vehicle of Hwasong-11B (KN-24) x6
6. "Haeil" long-endurance nuclear torpedo x4
7. Anti-aircraft surface to air missile x4
8. Saebyol 9 x4
9. Hwasong-12B x4
10. Hwasong-18 x4 (brought by the Second Red Flag Company of the Missile Administration)
11. Hwasong-17 x4

Attending dignitaries included the following:{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/north-korea-to-allow-chinese-delegation-to-visit-for-likely-parade-/7194933.html|title=Top Russian, Chinese Officials To Visit North Korea in Post-Pandemic First|website=Voice of America|date=25 July 2023|access-date=28 July 2023}}

• Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu
• First Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Li Hongzhong

A smaller scale military parade was held at the plaza of Pyongyang Indoor Stadium. The participating columns were mostly historical columns from the war.{{Cite web|url=http://www.kcna.kp/en/article/q/d3e4c723ebd12209ce64cd93207945eb.kcmsf|title=Ceremony of Commemorative March of Columns Symbolic of Units in Fatherland Liberation War Splendidly Held

|website=KCNA|date=28 July 2024|access-date=28 July 2024}}

Parades in honor of the Day of the Sun and the Day of the Shining Star:

File:North Korea Victory Day 185 (9494850088).jpg in 2011, every march past at North Korean military parades from 2012 to 2018 would have a black limousine carrying a red flag with Kim Jong Il's portrait following behind a black limousine carrying a red flag with his father Kim Il Sung's portrait.]]

2012 marked the 70th anniversary of the birth of Kim Jong Il.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/feb/16/north-korea-kim-jong-il|title=North Korea celebrates Kim Jong-il's 70th birthday - in pictures|newspaper=The Guardian|date=February 16, 2012|via=www.theguardian.com|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=April 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190425205900/https://www.theguardian.com/world/gallery/2012/feb/16/north-korea-kim-jong-il|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-asia-17053986?SThisFB|title=BBC News - North Korea marks late leader Kim Jong-il's birthday|date=February 16, 2012|via=www.bbc.co.uk|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104331/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/mobile/world-asia-17053986?SThisFB|url-status=live}} It was the first one of its nature held as the holiday was only elevated to the status of a national holiday following the death and state funeral of Kim Jong Il]. It was the first parade during which Kim Jong Un attended in the position of [[Supreme Leader of North Korea, and was held at the forecourt of the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.

2012 marked the centenary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. On the Day of the Sun that year, current leader Kim Jong Un gave his first public speech.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/16/world/asia/kim-jong-un-north-korean-leader-talks-of-military-superiority-in-first-public-speech.html|title=In First Speech, Kim Jong-un Affirms North Korea's Military Might|first=Choe|last=Sang-Hun|newspaper=The New York Times|date=April 15, 2012|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018133424/https://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/16/world/asia/kim-jong-un-north-korean-leader-talks-of-military-superiority-in-first-public-speech.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web | title = "Be Prepared!" Reflections on the North Korean Children's Union | author = Christopher Richardson | work = Sino-NK | date = 13 June 2013 | accessdate = 3 May 2015 | url = http://sinonk.com/2013/06/13/be-prepared-reflections-on-the-north-korean-childrens-union/ | archive-date = 4 February 2015 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150204002905/http://sinonk.com/2013/06/13/be-prepared-reflections-on-the-north-korean-childrens-union/ | url-status = live }}{{Cite news | title = As North Korea celebrates birthday of founding leader Kim Il-Sung, escape is harder than ever | last = Rothwell | first = James | work = The Telegraph | date = 15 April 2016 | access-date = 17 April 2016 | url = https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/15/as-north-korea-celebrates-birthday-of-founding-leader-kim-il-sun/ | archive-date = 15 April 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190415051743/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/04/15/as-north-korea-celebrates-birthday-of-founding-leader-kim-il-sun/ | url-status = live }} The KPA introduced the new Hwasong-13 missile was in a parade. It also presented its UAVs for the first time during this parade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.38north.org/2014/07/jbermudez070114/|title=North Korea Drones On|date=July 1, 2014|website=38 North|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112031620/https://www.38north.org/2014/07/jbermudez070114/|url-status=live}} BBC reporter John Sudworth described the parade as one where "he could feel the ground shake as soldiers and rockets passed by".{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39608572|title=N Korea puts on parade with precision|work=BBC News|date=April 15, 2017|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205083206/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39608572|url-status=live}} Markus Schiller, a weapons analyst, expressed his surprise with an ICBM's appearance, noting that most technology seen before were "one quarter of the size".{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/13/asia/north-korea-military-parade-missiles/index.html|title=What we can learn from North Korean military parades|website=CNN|date=14 April 2017|access-date=27 November 2019|archive-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713003337/https://www.cnn.com/2017/04/13/asia/north-korea-military-parade-missiles/index.html|url-status=live}} Kim Jong Un's 20-minute address was his first speech since assuming the leadership.{{Cite web |first= |date=15 April 2012 |title=Celebration in North Korean capital marks 100 years since founder's birth |url=https://www.cnn.com/2012/04/15/world/asia/north-korea-celebration/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513002048/https://www.cnn.com/2012/04/15/world/asia/north-korea-celebration/index.html |archive-date=13 May 2020 |access-date=27 November 2019 |website=CNN}} Officially published under the title of, Let Us March Forward Dynamically Towards Final Victory, Holding Higher the Banner of Songun, it was the basis of for the writing of the song, Onwards Toward the Final Victory.{{Cite web | title = English transcript of Kim Jong Un's speech | last = Williams | first = Martyn | work=North Korea Tech | date = 18 April 2012 | accessdate = 21 November 2019 | url = https://www.northkoreatech.org/2012/04/18/english-transcript-of-kim-jong-uns-speech/ | archive-date = 15 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191215055428/http://www.northkoreatech.org/2012/04/18/english-transcript-of-kim-jong-uns-speech/ | url-status = live }}{{Cite web | title = Kim Jong Un's First Speech Exalts Military, Unification | last = McNair | first = Jay | work = MOU OneKorea | date = 26 June 2012 | accessdate = 21 November 2019 | url = https://mouonekorea.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/kim-jong-uns-first-speech-exalts-military-unification/ | archive-date = 12 May 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190512155637/https://mouonekorea.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/kim-jong-uns-first-speech-exalts-military-unification/ | url-status = live }}

In 2017, the parade celebrated the 105th anniversary of the birth of the Kim Il Sung. During the parade, a new unit of Korean People's Army Special Operation Force wearing modern combat gear, including night-vision goggles and plate carriers, marched along with elements of the Korean People's Army in a parade on the 105th anniversary of the birth of the founder of North Korea Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang. Korean Central Television compared the new unit to the U.S. Navy SEALs and they described it with the name Lightning Commandos.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zs1XNf_XnM|title=N.Korea state media confirms new special forces unit unveiled during Saturday's parade|date=17 April 2017|via=YouTube|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=8 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190108231248/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zs1XNf_XnM&gl=US&hl=en|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-usa-parades-idUSKBN17N1PA|title=North Korea's show of force|date=21 April 2017|newspaper=Reuters|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104181306/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-northkorea-usa-parades-idUSKBN17N1PA|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://taskandpurpose.com/north-korea-special-operations-forces/|title=Why North Korea's Special Operations Forces Should Not Be Underestimated|first=Brian Adam|last=Jones|date=21 April 2017|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=4 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104185830/https://taskandpurpose.com/north-korea-special-operations-forces|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/04/18/2017041801101.html|title=N.Korea Touts Special Ops Forces|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2020-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111212037/http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2017/04/18/2017041801101.html|url-status=live}} The Pukguksong-2 and the Hwasong-12 were unveiled at the parade.{{Cite web|url=http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/NORTHKOREA-USA-PARADES/010040R41MB/index.html|title=A show of force|website=Reuters|access-date=2019-11-17|archive-date=2019-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917190051/http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/NORTHKOREA-USA-PARADES/010040R41MB/index.html|url-status=live}} Delegations from socialist parties attended the festivities, including a delegation of the Party of Socialists of the Republic of Moldova led by MP Grigore Novac.{{Cite web|date=2017-07-03|title=Moldova President Criticised for Welcoming North Koreans|url=https://balkaninsight.com/2017/07/03/dodon-say-moldova-to-export-wine-to-north-korea-07-03-2017/|access-date=2020-10-25|website=Balkan Insight|language=en-US|archive-date=2020-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028212546/https://balkaninsight.com/2017/07/03/dodon-say-moldova-to-export-wine-to-north-korea-07-03-2017/|url-status=live}}

The columns of the troops are as follows:

• Historical Troops

1. Soldiers in {{ill|Korean People's Revolutionary Army|ko|조선인민혁명군}} uniform
2. Soldiers in constabulary force uniform
3. Soldiers in the Fatherland Liberation War period uniform

• Guards and Various Branches from the Fatherland Liberation War

1. Guards Seoul 3rd Infantry Division
2. Guards Seoul Kim Chaek 4th Infantry Division
3. Guards Kang Kon 2nd Infantry Division
4. 6th Infantry Division
5. Andong Choe Chun Guk 12th Infantry Division
6. Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division
7. Guards Lee Hoon 18th Infantry Regiment
8. Guards 2nd Torpedo Boat Squadron
9. Guards 56th Pursuit Aircraft Regiment
10. Guards 10th Infantry Division
11. Guards 14th Infantry Division
12. Guards 86th Infantry Division
13. Guards 19th Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment
14. Guards 23rd Anti-aircraft Artillery Regiment
15. Guards 1st Infantry Division
16. Guards 1st Air Division
17. Guards 60th Pursuit Aircraft Regiment

• Corps-level Units

1. Navy
2. Air Force
3. Strategic Force
4. Special Operation Force
5. 1st Corps
6. 2nd Corps
7. 4th Corps
8. 5th Corps
9. 91st Training Institute
10. 3rd Corps
11. 7th Corps
12. 8th Corps
13. 9th Corps
14. 10th Corps
15. 12th Corps
16. Pyongyang Anti-aircraft Artillery Corps
17. 425th Training Institute
18. 108th Training Institute
19. 815th Training Institute
20. 806th Training Institute

• Infantry Divisions

1. 46th Infantry Division
2. 9th Infantry Division
3. 25th Infantry Division
4. 13th Infantry Division
5. 15th Infantry Division
6. 5th Infantry Division

• Universities and Military Schools at all levels

1. Kim Il Sung Military University
2. Kim Il Sung University of Politics
3. Kim Jong Suk Naval University
4. Kim Chaek Air Force University
5. O Jung Hup Defence University
6. Rim Chun Chu Military University of Medical Sciences
7. Kim Il Sung Military University Female Cadre Training Center
8. Kang Kon Military Academy
9. O Jin U Artillery Academy
10. Chaehyun Military Academy
11. Tank-Automobile Military Academy
12. Signal Corps Military Academy
13. Anti-aircraft Artillery Academy
14. Defense Comprehensive Military Academy
15. Kim Jong Il University of People's Security
16. Mangyongdae Revolutionary School
17. Kang Pan Sok Revolutionary school
18. Nampo Revolutionary School

• Worker-Peasant Red Guards branches

1. Pyongyang City Branch
2. South Pyongan Province Branch
3. North Pyongan Province Branch
4. South Hamgyong Province Branch
5. North Hamgyong Province Branch
6. South Hwanghae Province Branch
7. North Hwanghae Province Branch
8. Ryanggang Province Branch
9. Chagang Province Branch
10. Kangwon Province Branch
11. Nampo City Branch
12. Kim Il Sung University Branch
13. Kim Chaek University of Technology Branch
14. Pyongyang Medical University Female Branch
15. Pyongyang University of Architecture Branch
16. Han Tok Su University Of Light Industry Branch

A special parade was held outside of Pyongyang for the first time on 6 June 1972 in the northeastern border city of Hyesan, Ryanggang Province. It commemorated the 35th anniversary of the Battle of Pochonbo, during which the {{ill|Korean People's Revolutionary Army|ko|조선인민혁명군}}, backed by the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army, defeated a Japanese detachment based in Pochon County. The parade was attended by President Kim Il Sung and was officiated by the party secretary for the province. Yi Yong-mu, a member of the Central Committee and later Director General of the General Political Bureau delivered a speech at the parade on Hyesan Square.{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j4AFE6AvyNoC&q=55th+anniversary+of+the+workers+party+of+korea+parade&pg=RA27-PA7|title=Daily Report, Foreign Radio Broadcasts|date=November 27, 1972|via=Google Books|access-date=October 27, 2020|archive-date=August 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821104333/https://books.google.com/books?id=j4AFE6AvyNoC&q=55th+anniversary+of+the+workers+party+of+korea+parade&pg=RA27-PA7|url-status=live}}

A civil parade was held after the 7th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on 10 May 2016.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stimson.org/2016/yun-sun-quoted-cipher-brief-north-korea/|title=Yun Sun quoted in the Cipher Brief on North Korea • Stimson Center|date=18 May 2016|access-date=7 February 2021|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213174329/https://www.stimson.org/2016/yun-sun-quoted-cipher-brief-north-korea/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web | title = Pink petals and cardboard missiles: North Korea ends congress with rally | work = The Guardian | date = 10 May 2016 | access-date = 10 May 2016 | url = https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/pink-petals-cardboard-missiles-north-korea-congress-rally | others = Contributed by Reuters and Agence France-Presse | archive-date = 10 May 2016 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160510090921/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/may/10/pink-petals-cardboard-missiles-north-korea-congress-rally | url-status = live }}{{Cite web|url = https://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/2016/05/11/post-party-congress-events/|title = Post-Party Congress Events|date = 11 May 2016|access-date = 7 February 2021|archive-date = 17 December 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201217101937/https://nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com/2016/05/11/post-party-congress-events/amp/|url-status = live}}

A parade was held after the 8th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea on 16 January 2021.{{Cite web|date=January 15, 2021|title=Military Parade Commemorates 8th Congress of WPK|url=http://rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2021-01-15-0004|access-date=2021-01-16|website=Rodong Sinmun|archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115160416/http://www.rodong.rep.kp/en/index.php?strPageID=SF01_02_01&newsID=2021-01-15-0004|url-status=live}} It began at around six in the evening lasting over 2 hours.{{Cite web|title=North Korea staged nighttime military parade, reports say|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/01/14/North-Korea-staged-nighttime-military-parade-reports-say/3451610632549/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=UPI|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114143415/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2021/01/14/North-Korea-staged-nighttime-military-parade-reports-say/3451610632549/|url-status=live}} General Kim Jong-gwan was the keynote speaker at the parade, with Marshal Ri Pyong-chol (the Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea) serving as parade inspector. The headliner of the parade was a new submarine-launched ballistic missile known as the Pukguksong-5, which KCNA declared was "the world's most powerful weapon".{{Cite web|author=Analysis by Joshua Berlinger|title=Analysis: North Korea unveils submarine-launched ballistic missile|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/14/asia/north-korea-military-parade-intl-hnk/index.html|access-date=2021-01-16|website=CNN|date=15 January 2021 |archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115102159/https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/14/asia/north-korea-military-parade-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2021-01-15|title=Kim Jong Un Unveils New Submarine Missile Threat as Trump Exits|language=en|work=Bloomberg.com|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-15/kim-jong-un-unveils-new-submarine-missile-threat-as-trump-exits|access-date=2021-01-16|archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115191215/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-01-15/kim-jong-un-unveils-new-submarine-missile-threat-as-trump-exits|url-status=live}} However, no ICBMs were displayed.{{Cite web|date=2021-01-15|title=North Korea's Newest Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile, Same as the Old One? {{!}} 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea|url=https://www.38north.org/2021/01/north-koreas-newest-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-same-as-the-old-one/|access-date=2021-01-16|website=38 North|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115234129/https://www.38north.org/2021/01/north-koreas-newest-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-same-as-the-old-one/|url-status=live}} The column of planes depicted number "8" with fireworks in the sky.{{Cite web|url=http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cfonew&stype=0&mtype=view&no=32529|title=Military Parade Commemorates 8th Congress of WPK|access-date=2021-02-04|archive-date=2021-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213165920/http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cfonew&stype=0&mtype=view&no=32529|url-status=live}}

The columns of the troops are as follows:{{Cite web|url=https://dprktoday.com/abroad/songun/1393|title=Military Parade Commemorates 8th Congress of WPK|website=DPRK Today|language=en|access-date=25 September 2022}}

1. Honor calvarymen
2. Guard Office of the Party Central Committee
3. Guard Department of the State Affairs Commission
4. Guard Department of the Party Central Committee
5. Guard Command
6. First Corps
7. Second Corps
8. Forth Corps
9. Fifth Corps
10. Navy
11. Air Force
12. Strategic Force
13. Ground Snipers of the Special Operation Force
14. Sea Snipers of the Special Operation Force
15. Air Snipers of the Special Operation Force
16. Lightly-armed Infantrymen
17. Anti-aircraft Artillerymen
18. 91st Corps
19. 3rd Corps
20. 7th Corps
21. 8th Corps
22. 9th Corps
23. 10th Corps
24. 12th Corps
25. Tank Units and Armored Infantry Divisions
26. Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division
27. 425th Mechanized Infantry Division
28. 108th Mechanized Infantry Division
29. 815th Mechanized Infantry Division
30. 806th Mechanized Infantry Division
31. Mountain Warfare Infantrymen
32. Reconnoiters
33. Electronic Harassment Unit
34. Engineer Unit
35. Chemical Warfare Unit
36. Armed Mobile Unit for Public Security

The following day, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea detected signs of the parade in central Pyongyang, which resulted in a statement by Kim Yo Jong condemning South Korea, describing it as "weird" for the South Koreans made a "senseless statement that they captured the north opening a military parade at midnight on Jan. 10".{{Cite web|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210113000097%5D|access-date=2021-01-14|website=The Korea Herald|title=Archived copy|archive-date=2022-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114102928/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20210113000097%5D|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-01-12|title=North Korea confirms military parade, thinks it's "weird" South is watching|url=https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-confirms-military-parade-thinks-weird-watching-1561013|access-date=2021-01-14|website=Newsweek|language=en|archive-date=2021-01-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113005529/https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-confirms-military-parade-thinks-weird-watching-1561013|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2021-01-12|title=Party Congress over: Kim Yo Jong insults Seoul and talks military parade rumors {{!}} NK News|url=https://www.nknews.org/2021/01/party-congress-over-kim-yo-jong-insults-seoul-and-talks-military-parade-rumors/|access-date=2021-01-14|website=NK News|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114023307/https://www.nknews.org/2021/01/party-congress-over-kim-yo-jong-insults-seoul-and-talks-military-parade-rumors/|url-status=live}} A couple of days later, another government statement was released criticizing the statement by Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi, who said that Japan is analyzing information linked to weapons unveiled at the parade.{{Cite web|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210126010800325|title=N.K. State media slams Japan's defense chief for remarks over military parade|date=26 January 2021|access-date=28 January 2021|archive-date=2 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202060150/https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210126010800325|url-status=live}} On 17 January, General Secretary Kim Jong Un had a photo session with the participants in the military parade.{{Cite web|url=http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?lang=eng&ptype=cforev&stype=2&ctype=3&mtype=view&no=32589|title=Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un Has Photo Session with Participants in Military Parade|access-date=2021-02-04|archive-date=2021-01-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117053210/http://uriminzokkiri.com/index.php?ptype=cforev&stype=2&ctype=3&lang=eng&mtype=view&no=32589|url-status=live}}

• Chinese National Day Parade
• Mongolian State Flag Day
• Victory Day Parades

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Military parades in North Korea}}

• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=n9WxVPPT0dM North Korea Military Parade October 10, 1995 (AP Clip)]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FhqtO02cChs North Korea Military Parade April 25, 1992 (KCTV Live)]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=b3KFfgoDzw8 North Korea Parade Preparations Caught on Satellite | NYT]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk1hQCNwtrU North Korea 2013 Military & Civilian Parade — Full Version]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=kcCfXtWhwkE NORTH KOREA PARADE]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ncWM-6tZpgQ North Korea Military Parade September 9, 1998 (KCTV Live)]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=22ufY3GpTak North Korean Military Parade (75 Year Anniversary)]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xLMjEfYMtbE North Korea Military Parade February 8, 2018]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wYaemFkEj0M North Korea Orchestrates Huge Military Parade]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=M1HMhBAVk44 Lavish military parade in Pyongyang marks 60th anniversary of Korean War armistice]
• [https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5V24syxVTPs North Korea 2013 Parade - KPA 81st Anniversary]

Category:Military parades

Category:Events in Pyongyang

Category:Recurring events established in 1948