▲ North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a commemorative marching ceremony in Pyongyang yesterday, marking the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the 1953 Korean War armistice (Victory Day), as reported by the Korean Central News Agency on the 28th. (Photo: Yonhap News)
North Korea has consolidated regime unity by holding large-scale events for the 73rd anniversary of the so-called Day of Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War (the date of the armistice agreement signing).
The Korean Central News Agency reported today (the 28th) that a commemorative marching ceremony featuring symbolic units from the Fatherland Liberation War period was held the previous day at the Pyongyang Gymnasium Square, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance.
During today's event, leading with the "Guards-Chungseo Symbolic Unit" carrying a portrait of late leader Kim Il-sung, other formations including the "Guards Division Symbolic Unit," "Ministry of Social Security Symbolic Unit," "Mixed Mechanized Horse-Drawn Carriage Unit," and "Motorcycle Unit" marched across the square dressed in uniforms from the 1952 Korean War era.
Introducing each marching symbolic unit, the KCNA claimed they achieved "legendary feats" while passing through what it called the "Seoul Liberation Operation" and "Daejeon Liberation Operation" during the war.
Units of the Korean People's Army ground, naval, and air forces equipped with modern North Korean military hardware also participated in the march.
Chairman Kim waved his hand to encourage the troops participating in the march.
No Kwang-chol, Minister of National Defense, who spoke at the event, said, "We will never overlook the actions of forces threatening our sovereign security at every moment," adding, "We will safeguard our constitution, sovereignty, and development interests, as well as peace and stability in the region, through responsible and more explicit exercises of our war deterrence."
The KCNA reported that Chairman Kim also attended the "73rd Anniversary Performance of the Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War" held in Pyongyang today.
According to photos and footage released by North Korean media, Chairman Kim watched the concert accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol-ju, and his daughter, Ju-ae.
Chairman Kim was captured on Korean Central Television cameras appearing to be overwhelmed with emotion and shedding tears during the concert.
Songs claiming North Korea's victory, such as "Our July 27" and the "July 27 March," were performed on stage during today's concert, the KCNA reported.
Kim Ju-ae attended Victory Day commemorative events for two consecutive days, following her visits to the Cemetery of the Martyrs of the Fatherland Liberation War and the Taesongsan Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery yesterday.
This marks the first time that Kim Ju-ae has participated in North Korea's Victory Day events.
This is seen as an intention by the Kim Jong-un regime to instill in residents the perception of Kim Ju-ae as a symbol of future generations and a strong "successor" of the Paektu bloodline.
Korean Central Television highlighted Kim Ju-ae's presence by broadcasting multiple "two-shot" segments of her whispering closely with Chairman Kim at the concert venue.
The KCNA stated that video footage commemorating the participation of Chinese troops and Chinese songs such as the "Song of the Chinese People's Volunteers" during today's concert "left a deep impression on the audience."
Regarding the characteristics of this year's Victory Day events, an Unification Ministry official stated, "As bilateral relations develop into a strategic relationship following the North Korea-China summit in June, the historical significance and importance of North Korea-China relations were highlighted," adding, "Judging from the screening of edited video footage related to the Chinese People's Army and the performance of Chinese songs at the commemorative concert, it is evaluated as emphasizing North Korea-China friendship more than in the past."
Today, senior officials from the ruling party, government, and military leadership took seats on the reviewing stand alongside veteran soldiers who fought in the war.
Diplomats from China and Russia stationed in North Korea were also invited to the events.
The events were attended by senior officials accompanying Chairman Kim, including Party Secretaries Jo Yong-won and Ju Chang-il, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol, National Defense Ministry Advisor Pak Jong-chon, and Chief of the KPA General Staff Ri Yong-gil.
Veteran soldiers and wartime contributors who participated in the Victory Day celebrations also attended the "73rd Anniversary Banquet for the Victory in the Fatherland Liberation War" held at the People's Palace of Culture and the Okryu Restaurant.
The Rodong Sinmun reported that party, government, and military officials, including Premier Pak Thae-song, attended the banquet to encourage the veterans.
In addition, various events were held across North Korea today to celebrate "Victory Day."
Processions laying wreaths continued at "martyrs' cemeteries," "People's Army martyrs' memorial towers," and "martyrs' graves" in Pyongyang and various other regions.
Visitors continued to flock to the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum, and meetings between veteran soldiers and youth students were held in provinces such as North Pyongan, South Hwanghae, North Hwanghae, North Hamgyong, and Ryanggang.
North Korea's representative performing arts troupes, including the "Pibada Opera Troupe" and the "National Folk Art Troupe," held outdoor singing performances in front of the Pyongyang Grand Theatre and the Three-Revolution Exhibition.
The KCNA reported that floral baskets were also presented in the names of the party, government, armed forces organizations, and social organizations at the Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il statues on Mansu Hill in Pyongyang.
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.