On April 15, North Korea held a massive military parade, part of events celebrating the centenary of the birth of the late North Korean founder, Kim Il Sung. North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong Un, made a public speech for the first time at the event.
Military Parade in Pyongyang, North Korea
North Korean soldiers line up during a military parade in Pyongyang on Sunday, April 15, 2012. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
A military brass band plays marching music at the military parade at Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
The new North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un (second from right), watches a military parade. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
North Korean female soldiers marching in Kim Il Sung Square, Pyongyang. (Sunwong Baik/VOA)
North Korean soldiers goose-step at the military parade in Pyongyang. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
North Korea unveiled a new long-range missile at the event. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
North Korean soldiers ride on the back of a MLRS (multiple launch rocket system). (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
North Korean soldiers ride a military vehicle during the parade. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
A North Korean missile is displayed. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
North Korean missiles on display. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
A North Korean vehicle carrying a missile. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
North Korean jets stage a flyover during the parade. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
Kim Jong Un (front) waves to the crowd. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)
People cheer for Kim Jong Un following the parade. (Sungwon Baik/VOA)