"Resolute Defense" Thousands Rehearse at Kim Il Sung Square as 8th Party Congress Nears

On the 26th, thousands of people gathered at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang to form the red phrase "Resolute Defense"

The convening of North Korea's 8th Workers' Party Congress, scheduled for January next year, is entering its final countdown. Scenes of card section and parade rehearsals have been repeatedly spotted at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang and the nearby Mirim Airfield.

On December 26 (local time), 38 North, a U.S.-based media outlet specializing in North Korea, released satellite images showing thousands of people participating in an unidentified rehearsal at Kim Il Sung Square. In the photos, participants are seen forming the Korean phrase "Gyeolsawongwi" ("Resolute Defense") in red.

38 North speculated that this activity is likely related to the 8th Party Congress scheduled for January next year, noting that rehearsals are necessary to ensure the timing and accuracy of the card section. However, the outlet assessed that the message "Resolute Defense" itself is not particularly unusual.

38 North also reported that at least one parade is expected to take place around the time of the Party Congress, and that rehearsal scenes have also been observed at Mirim Airfield, east of Pyongyang. The outlet previously reported on December 18 that an unidentified structure had been erected at Kim Il Sung Square, and stated that this temporary structure remains on the west side of the square, surrounded by high barriers. While the purpose of the structure remains unclear, rehearsals are reportedly being held in its vicinity.

38 North further noted that a second structure has appeared on the east side of the square, suggesting that it may serve as a stage for the annual New Year's Eve event on the night of December 31, which draws large crowds to the square. However, it remains unclear whether this year's New Year's Eve event will be held as usual, or if the stage is related to the Party Congress.

With a series of activities related to the 8th Party Congress being observed, it appears that the event is imminent. North Korea has only stated that it will be held "sometime in January next year," and has not officially announced a specific date.

While some have speculated that the congress could be postponed due to COVID-19 prevention measures, the prevailing view is that it is highly likely to be held before January 10.

The conclusion of North Korea's internal mobilization campaign, the "80-Day Battle," provides a clue. North Korea launched the 80-Day Battle around October 10 (the 75th anniversary of the Party's founding), and it is estimated that the campaign will end this week.

Before the 7th Party Congress in May 2016, North Korea also launched the "70-Day Battle," and held the 7th Congress four days after the campaign ended. This suggests that the 8th Party Congress could be held as early as next week.

If this happens, the New Year's address traditionally delivered by North Korea's supreme leader in January could be omitted once again. This year, Chairman Kim Jong Un replaced the New Year's address with the results of a Party plenary meeting held in December of the previous year.

North Korea may soon announce the date for the 8th Party Congress. An official from the Ministry of Unification explained, "In the case of the 7th Party Congress, the date was made public by releasing the decision of the Politburo of the Workers' Party Central Committee 10 days prior to the event."

Chairman Kim is expected to unveil a new five-year economic development plan and a new foreign policy strategy at the 8th Party Congress.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.