PYONGYANG, North Korea — North Korea is preparing to stage a major event to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of its military, just one day before the opening ceremony of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Pyongyang residents have been assembling daily to practice with drums and plastic bouquets, while satellite imagery suggests troops are training at an airfield for a possible military parade on Feb. 8. Officials refuse to confirm what exactly is planned.

A major show of military power could create anger in South Korea, which is hoping the games will be a symbol of peace and stability. Seoul has agreed to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s last-minute proposal to send a delegation to the games and will have its athletes march together with the North Korean team.