By Kim Hyo-jin



North Korea has began preparing a large-scale military parade to mark the foundation day of its ruling Workers' Party this autumn. It will possibly unveil new weapons including an alleged submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) during the event, according to a government source.



"Five months ahead of the 70th anniversary of the foundation day of the Workers' Party, Pyongyang has already launched a task force to prepare a celebratory event including a military parade," a government official told Yonhap News Agency, Sunday.



"The scale of this year's event will be massive compared to that of last year," the official said.



North Korea celebrated the foundation day in a fairly downcast manner last year as its leader Kim Jong-un had disappeared from public view due to purported health problems.

The source said this year's parade is expected to feature new weapons, including the SLBM as well as an inter-continental ballistic missile.



"The north will want to boast of its military capability by showcasing the country's missiles," Yonhap quoted the officials as saying.



On May 9, the North's ruling party mouthpiece Rodong Sinmun reported the reclusive state had successfully test-fired an SLBM in the presence of Kim.



Military experts said the new missile however has yet to overcome technical issues so Pyongyang is four to five years away from full development.



Amid growing concern about the North's military provocations, some experts speculate that the reclusive state is likely to launch a long-range missile or conduct a fourth nuclear test on or around party's founding anniversary.



The National Intelligence Service briefed the National Assembly Intelligence Committee on the upcoming military parade, Wednesday, according to Yonhap. The execution of the north's Defense Minister Hyon Yong-chol was reported the same day.



