The reclusive leader, who saw in February’s Korean People’s Army celebration day with a missile parade, appears to be planning the same this time around.
The Day of the Foundation of the Republic on September 9 is marked annually in North Korea where it is one of the most important festivals in Kim Jong-un’s calendar – as well as a regular opportunity for major tests.
And this year’s event marks the 70th anniversary of the state.
North Korea is known for marking national events and important anniversaries with missile launches – Kim Jong-un’s regime fired 23 missiles during 16 tests between February and December 2017.
According to satellite images of the Mirim Parade Training Ground obtained on August 12, the facility is currently housing 500 military trucks as well as a peak in activity from troops.
Pictures also note the erection of a tent to feed the troops located on a helipad nearby as well as groupings of military and the preparation and expansion of storage shelters.
This time last year every North Korea celebration day coincided with a missile test launch.
According to North Korea watchdog 38 North, parade preparations were first observed in July and appear to be following the pattern noted during recent parades.
Though there is no significant activity from the adjacent Mirim Riding Academy, which last year provided a cavalry honour guard.
The same can be said for the Mirim Flying Club’s nearby airfield, which for past parades supplied lights for a flyover.
Should a missile test launch be planned training would begin in the next two weeks for the parade set to take place on September 9.
Analyst Joseph S. Bermudez Jr writing for 38 North said this year’s parade could surpass February’s display.
He said: “At the heavy equipment storage area, shelters in the past have been used to house and prepare ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) launchers, tanks, large artillery pieces and other heavy equipment while keeping them hidden from observation.
“The number of shelters appears slightly larger than what was used in the February parade, and there are at least 10 pieces of equipment (including several tanks or artillery pieces) in front of their respective shelters.
“There are no ballistic missile or UAV launchers as of the date of this image.”
Preparations come after North Korean authorities ordered a widespread crackdown on what has been classed as “non-socialist behaviour”.
Those “who oppose North Korean” from the ruling Workers’ Party of North Korea (WPK) are being deployed throughout the hermit state to warn or detain citizens conforming to condemned fashion or hairstyles.
A source under the condition of anonymity, told Radio Free Asia (RFA) the new campaign follows Pyongyang’s efforts to suppress lifestyles that do not conform to socialist ideals. The source, based in the North Hamgyong province on the border of China, said: “Inspection units are being dispatched to public areas.
“There have been crackdowns on non-socialist behaviours in the past, but since these hadn’t seemed to help the situation, they are now strengthening the crackdown to put an end to them.
“With the approach of the 70th anniversary on September 9 of the founding of the North Korean regime, the Central Committee has given special instructions to root out non-socialist phenomena, such as fashion choices and hairstyles that do not fit the socialist lifestyle.”