Quietly Passed North Korea's Day of the Sun... Concerns Over Military Provocations 'Continue'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea quietly observed internal schedules without any significant military provocations during the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung's birthday) holiday. This appears to reflect consideration that the United States has not yet finalized its North Korea policy. However, given various signs recently detected at the Sinpo Shipyard, the possibility remains that provocations involving submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) could occur soon.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 16th, "Comrade Kim Jong-un, together with Mrs. Ri Sol-ju, visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on April 15 in commemoration of the Day of the Sun." Accompanying them were Jo Yong-won, Party Organization Secretary; Pak Jong-chon, Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army; Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Department Director of the Party and sister of General Secretary Kim; and Hyon Song-wol, Deputy Department Director of the Party. Other senior officials visited the Kumsusan Palace separately from Chairman Kim.

Taking only the three closest aides?Jo Yong-won, Kim Yo-jong, and Hyon Song-wol?along with Chief of the General Staff Pak Jong-chon demonstrates Chairman Kim's strong trust in them. Especially accompanying Pak Jong-chon carries military significance. Jeong Se-hyun, Senior Vice Chairman of the National Unification Advisory Council, said on YTN Radio's "Hwang Bo-seon's Start Morning" that "It is to show readiness to respond if the U.S. pressures North Korea by strengthening military power." It also appears to acknowledge the military's economic contribution, such as its involvement in constructing civilian housing.

On the same day, Chairman Kim and Mrs. Ri attended the important joint performance by artistic groups celebrating the Day of the Sun titled "Forever Following the Party," carrying out routine schedules, and no signs of provocations were observed within North Korea. This seems to take into account the U.S. policy formulation deadline by the end of this month and the U.S.-Japan summit scheduled for the 16th (local time). Prime Minister Suga held a face-to-face meeting with President Biden and pledged cooperation on North Korea and China issues. Suga also stated, "There was a shared recognition that trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan has become unprecedentedly important for responding to North Korea and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific."

However, recently, signs of refurbishment of test vessels have been detected at the Sinpo Shipyard, North Korea's SLBM development facility, indicating that the possibility of provocations still remains. Voices warning that the North Korean nuclear threat is increasing are also emerging. The Asan Institute for Policy Studies, in a recent joint report with the U.S. RAND Corporation, projected that North Korea already possessed 67 to 116 nuclear weapons last year and is expected to have 151 to 242 nuclear weapons by 2027.

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