Friday marks the 110th anniversary of the birth of North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung. The occasion has prompted speculation that Pyongyang may carry out a ballistic missile launch or nuclear test.

North Korea regards the birth anniversary of the grandfather of the country's current leader Kim Jong Un, as one of its most important national holidays. Pyongyang says this year's anniversary will be celebrated on a grand scale.

North Korea held a military parade in central Pyongyang in 2012, when it celebrated the 100th anniversary of Kim Il Sung's birth.

On that occasion, Kim Jong Un delivered his first public speech after becoming the first secretary of the ruling Workers' Party just days earlier. It was a new title signaling his leadership of the nation and its military.

Observers say North Korea may conduct a military parade for the 110th anniversary with Kim Jong Un in attendance and showcase its latest weapons to boost national morale.

The last time North Korea held a parade by its regular military was in January 2021, when the procession featured weapons including what was believed to be a new type of submarine-launched ballistic missile.

North Korea staged military parades in 2020 and 2021 before dawn or at night with illumination effects.

Observers also say that North Korea may mark the anniversary by launching a ballistic missile, possibly one with intercontinental range, or carrying out its seventh nuclear test.