North Korean leader Kim Jong Un once again showcased the close ties with Russia on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day. He visited the Liberation Monument, which honors Soviet troops, and attended a celebratory performance by Russian artists.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on August 16 that Kim visited the Liberation Monument the previous day to commemorate the 80th anniversary of national liberation.
Accompanying him were senior party officials, including party secretary Pak Jong-chon, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, and Kim Yo Jong, a deputy director of the party’s Central Committee, along with officials from the foreign and defense ministries and military commanders.
Kim paid tribute to the Soviet soldiers who fought for liberation and toured the Liberation Monument.
He stated that the sacred history of the people’s liberation is imbued with the extraordinary heroism and immortal feats displayed by Soviet soldiers during the anti-Japanese revolutionary war against a common enemy. Kim added that the combat camaraderie and blood ties forged between the two nations’ armies and peoples during the arduous and desperate struggle serve as a true example of international justice and solidarity.
He further emphasized that the indomitable friendship between the two countries, built on the noble spirit of the predecessors, will continue to strengthen in the future.
On the same day, Kim attended a celebratory performance marking the 80th anniversary of liberation by Russian artistic delegates at the Pyongyang Gymnasium. He was joined by a delegation from the Russian State Duma, led by Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, along with Andrey Malyshev, Deputy Minister of Culture, and other representatives from the Ministry of Culture, as well as Aleksandr Matsegora, the Russian ambassador to North Korea, and embassy officials. North Korean officials in attendance included the foreign minister, the culture minister, officials from the foreign and culture ministries, artists and creators from various artistic organizations, staff and students from art education institutions, and Pyongyang citizens.
The performance featured Russian artists, the Red Star ensemble from the Strategic Rocket Forces of the Russian Ministry of Defense, and the Airborne Assault Forces ensemble. The concert included a medley of songs themed around the national war and military anthems of the Russian Federation.
The pro-Vladimir Putin singer Shaman (real name Yaroslav Dronov) performed patriotic songs such as “Ya Russky” (“I’m Russian”) and “Moi Boy” (“My Fight”). The newspaper reported that his rich artistic skills and dynamic presence received high praise from the audience.
North Korea has consistently highlighted its relationship with Russia during Liberation Day celebrations. This emphasis stems from the fact that the former Soviet military occupied the northern part of the Korean Peninsula from 1945 to 1948, aiding in the establishment of the North Korean regime. Kim had also visited the Liberation Monument on August 16 of last year.
This year, marking the 80th anniversary, Kim invited high-ranking Russian officials and cultural figures to join him in showcasing the North Korea-Russia relationship. On August 14, during a speech at the 80th Anniversary of National Liberation Celebration held at the Arch of Triumph Square in Pyongyang, Kim emphasized the importance of relations with Russia, while Russian President Putin sent a congratulatory letter.
The newspaper reported that the Russian parliamentary delegation and the Ministry of Culture delegation, led by Chairman Volodin and Deputy Minister Malyshev, departed from Pyongyang International Airport on the same day.