North Korea commemorated the 72nd anniversary of its Victory Day (the signing date of the Korean War armistice) with a series of events, including a ceremonial parade, veteran reunions, and artistic performances.
On Monday, the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, reported that a commemorative parade celebrating the 72nd anniversary of victory took place in Pyongyang on Sunday evening. The event showcased the enduring history of triumph and the indomitable heroic spirit of Juche Korea.
Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, paid his respects at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Museum and the North Korea-China Friendship Tower the previous day, but was notably absent from the day’s events. Last year, he attended a reunion with war veterans without making any public statements.
Senior officials from the party, government, and military joined war veterans, along with provincial party committee secretaries and commanders of the Korean People’s Army’s major units. While the newspaper didn’t specify individuals, released photos showed Choe Ryong Hae, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People’s Assembly, and Premier Pak Thae Song in attendance.
The event also saw participation from Central Committee workers, specially invited soldiers from the North Korean People’s Army’s 4th Corps artillery units, personnel from various ministries and Pyongyang-based organizations, distinguished citizens, students from revolutionary schools, and youth representatives.
The Pyongyang Indoor Stadium plaza was reportedly packed with citizens eager to witness the commemorative parade.
The parade was led by a Guards Company carrying portraits of figures like Hyon Chol Hae, Yon Hyong Muk, Pak Song Bong, and Sim Chang Wan, followed by units bearing images of heroes of the republic such as Kang Kon, Choe Hyon, Ri Su Bok, and An Yong Ae.
The newspaper reported that the North Korean People’s Air Force concluded the celebrations with a flyover in fan formation. As the ceremony ended, celebratory artillery fire resonated across the city, and a dazzling fireworks display illuminated the Victory Day night sky.
At the veterans’ reunion, Premier Pak Thae Song delivered remarks. According to the newspaper, Premier Pak stated that the gathering was a deeply moving and joyous occasion, uniting the heroic generation that weathered fierce battles with the new generation that has achieved unprecedented victories and immortal honors in the nation’s history.
The newspaper also reported on an artistic performance that followed, describing how wartime songs and victory anthems echoed the truths of history and the principles of strength, reflecting North Korea’s heroic spirit in defending against imperialist aggression and safeguarding not only the dignity, honor, and sovereignty of the nation but also global peace and security.
North Korea commemorates the Korean War as the Fatherland Liberation War and celebrates the armistice signing date as Victory Day, symbolizing its claimed triumph over the United States. The Rodong Sinmun dedicated its entire eight-page to Victory Day celebrations.