North Korea has strongly condemned the upcoming U.S.-South Korea joint exercise Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) set to begin on August 18. Simultaneously, Pyongyang is intensifying its rhetoric promoting self-reliance and anti-Japanese sentiment as the August 15 Liberation Day approaches.
On Monday, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, Rodong Sinmun, featured a statement from Defense Minister No Kwang-chol on its second page. The headline readthat defending national security interests from U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) hostile threats is the absolute mission of the Republic’s armed forces.
Minister No declared that the U.S. and South Korean military hawks have officially announced the commencement of the large-scale joint military exercise UFS on August 18. He added that it vehemently condemns these provocative actions by the U.S. and South Korea, which blatantly expose their stance of military confrontation against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Further adding that these actions pose serious challenges to the security environment of the Korean Peninsula and the region and that it issues a stern warning about the negative consequences that will inevitably follow.
The front page highlighted the 80th anniversary of national liberation, emphasizing that the historical significance of August 15 becomes increasingly apparent with the passage of time. It stressed that self-reliance is the only path to survival. The newspaper described self-reliance as a precious spiritual legacy bequeathed by the pioneering generation of the revolution, calling it “the patriotic slogan it must uphold today and tomorrow for the prosperity of the homeland.
On page 6, the paper criticized Japan, stating that the Japanese reactionaries feel no guilt or responsibility for their past crimes, instead of sincerely reflecting and offering compensation. It asserted that the people will never forget the history of heinous crimes committed by the Japanese Empire and it will demand retribution a hundredfold, a thousandfold.
Page 3 reported widespread enthusiasm for implementing Party decisions, noting that with just over 140 days left in the year, it must intensify public resolve to thoroughly and perfectly execute the Party’s decisions. Further highlighting that this is crucial to conclude this meaningful year with a resounding victory.
Page 4 highlighted examples of resilience in the face of adversity, including natural disasters over the past decade. It urged citizens to become stronger by emulating the spirit of the great nation. The newspaper lauded the leadership, stating that bolstered by their General Secretary’s unwavering faith, will, and courage, remarkable rural cultural cities have risen from complete devastation. Highlighting that today, greenhouse complexes worthy of global admiration are proudly taking shape.
Page 5 reported unprecedented success in wheat farming in Jeungpyeong County, underscoring the importance of agricultural innovation.