North Korea is stepping up its efforts to incite anti-American sentiment among its citizens by showcasing the Sinchon Class Education Hall in commemoration of Victory Day—the anniversary of the Korean War armistice.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Sunday that a ceremony was held the previous day at the Sinchon Class Education Hall to present gifts from Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Party.
The Sinchon Class Education Hall, located within the Sinchon Museum in South Hwanghae Province, is dedicated to exposing alleged atrocities committed by U.S. forces during the Korean War in the Sinchon area. North Korea claims that from October 18 to December 7, 1950—following the U.S. military’s occupation of Sinchon County on October 17, 1950—approximately 35,000 residents were massacred.
The regime uses this site to conduct ideological education sessions, promoting anti-American sentiments among the population. This form of education, rooted in the teachings of Kim Il Sung, aims to foster class consciousness that defends the interests of the working class while opposing capitalism and imperialism.
The speaker at the ceremony noted that Kim Jong Un provided valuable guidance to strengthen class education during this critical time, while also acknowledging the unrecognized efforts of the instructors and staff who steadfastly maintain the forefront of class education. The speaker added that Kim’s thoughtful gifts reflected his care and concern.
The newspaper emphasized that Kim Jong Un’s gift symbolizes his view of the political ideology front and the anti-imperialist class front as crucial elements in ensuring the continuous succession and fulfillment of their cause. It urged the maintenance of this important base of class education moving forward.
On July 24, Kim Jong Un personally visited the site with Party leadership to commemorate Victory Day.
Kim stated that the Sinchon Class Education Hall vividly demonstrates why they must become stronger. He emphasized that they must possess a formidable strength that intimidates their enemies to prevent another tragedy like Sinchon, and that they must adhere to the principle that their autonomous life and future depend on fully developing the strongest self-defense capabilities.
In November 2014, Kim Jong Un ordered renovations of the Sinchon Museum, expanding the exhibition area. The museum has hosted an annual Resolution for Revenge gathering, and in 2014 and 2015, it held larger-scale rallies for Anti-U.S. Struggle Day compared to previous years.
According to a 2019 paper titled “North Korea’s Anti-American Propaganda and the Sinchon Museum,” published by the Institute of Korean Political Studies at Seoul National University, North Korea has increased its coverage of the Sinchon Museum since 2014 and 2015. The paper suggests that under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, the museum has strengthened its role as a focal point for anti-American education.