N. Korea prepares military parade on eve of Olympics

By Yi Whan-woo

North Korea plans to hold a military parade on the eve of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, according to Seoul government sources.

"We've detected signs that North Korea is preparing to hold a large-scale military parade on Feb. 8 to mark the anniversary of the founding of its regular armed forces," a source said, stating that the reclusive state has mobilized some 12,000 soldiers, artillery and 50 combat vehicles at Mirim Airport in Pyongyang in preparation for the parade.

The Korean People's Army of North Korea was established on Feb. 8, 1948, from the communist guerilla army led by the country's founding leader Kim Il-sung.

The revelation came after talks were held between the two Koreas over the North's participation in the Winter Olympics and optimism for a thaw in cross-border relations.

During his New Year's address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un hinted at organizing a grand military parade, stressing that the armed forces mark their 70th anniversary this year.

The first Winter Games in South Korea will run from Feb. 9 to 25, followed by the Paralympics from March 9 to 18.