March 21, 2023

Kim Jong Un observes paratrooper night training exercise

Training event emphasizes offensive capability; military figure returns to the spotlight

Kim Jong Un attended a nighttime training exercise of paratroopers from the Korean People’s Army special forces on January 20 but the event may have been most notable for who attended with him.

The exercise, which was reported on by the KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, showcases one of the KPA’s premier offensive capabilities and may be a thinly veiled response to the U.S. and South Korea’s refusal to cancel upcoming joint military training exercises. Aside from the demonstration of military capability, this event saw the formal reappearance of former Chief of the KPA General Staff, Gen. Kim Kyok Sik.