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“It’s like a break in the monotony,” Bermudez Jr. said.

Photo by Deimos Imaging, an UrtheCast Company" and 38 North

Details of the parade are usually kept secret for security reasons because Kim Jong Un and his top generals are expected to attend. But Bermudez Jr. said the parades all follow the same format. Ground forces will lead the parade and be followed by light equipment, trucks towing anti-aircraft guns and tanks. Missile launchers are saved for the big finale because they “want to build the anticipation.”

Pyongyang has said that the parade’s purpose is to celebrate the founding of the Korean People’s Army. The celebration has taken place on April 25 since 1978, but this year, North Korea state media said it will be held on it’s actual founding date. Coincidentally, that date is on the eve of the Olympic Games, leaving multiple experts to claim the parade is being held for other reasons.

Moving up the parade date would have been heavily influenced by the Olympics, Bermudez Jr. said. Kim is looking to inject morale into the Korean People’s Army after years of revamping and building the force that has 1.2 million men and women in active service and 7.7 million in reserve.

Photo by Deimos Imaging, an UrtheCast Company" and 38 North

North Korea will participate in the Olympics after Seoul accepted a last-minute proposal by Kim. A delegation of 22 athletes will compete in the games and is expected to march together with South Korean athletes under one blue and white unification flag.

North Korea may hope the parade will convince viewers of its power, but Bermudez Jr. suggested a more cautious approach.

“We have to be very careful because North Korea is showing us what they want to show us,” he said. “They understand what they’re showing us and they have a good idea of how we’re going to interpret it. This is all part of their plan to manipulate us as well as they could.”

Photo by Deimos Imaging, an UrtheCast Company" and 38 North

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