North Korea sparked fears of World War 3 after engaging in terrifying rhetoric with the US and its neighbours in the South, but tensions have somewhat eased having held cross-border talks.
North Korea is said to be planning “hundreds” of missiles and rockets being used in a “show of force” to “scare the hell out of the Americans” ahead of the Winter Games, according to reports.
The parade is scheduled for February 8, the day before the Winter Olympics is set to begin in South Korea, diplomatic sources told CNN.
On Monday, after a series of inter-Korean negotiations, North Korea cancelled a joint cultural event due to be held with the South because of unflattering coverage by South Korean media.
North Korea pulled out because “South Korean media continue to insult North Korea’s genuine measures regarding the PyeongChang Olympics and take issues with its domestic festival”.
A CBS News reporter said: “North Korea is planning its own show of force next week.
“They are planning on holding a massive military parade before the Olympics begin, they say this is to make the seventieth anniversary of the founding of its military.
“North Korea rarely holds its tongue when it is criticised by the United States, especially by President Trump, so you can likely expect to hear something back.”
US President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address to target North Korea and Kim Jong-un.
He warned the audience North Korea would “very soon” threaten the United States with nuclear-tipped missiles.
Mr Trump said: “North Korea’s reckless pursuit of nuclear missiles could very soon threaten our homeland.
“We need only look at the depraved character of the North Korean regime to understand the nature of the nuclear threat it could post to America and to our allies.”