On October 10, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivered a speech at the 80th anniversary celebration of the Workers’ Party. In his address, he stressed the need for the military to evolve into an invincible force capable of neutralizing any threats to national defense, while notably avoiding any direct criticism or threats toward South Korea and the U.S.
Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, reported on October 11 that Kim attended a nighttime parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang around 10:00 p.m. the previous evening, during which he delivered his address.
Kim stated that the party established the military before the state as a sacred duty to fully shoulder the responsibility for the fate and future of the homeland and people. He further noted that the role of a unified and mature revolutionary armed force in defending national sovereignty and development rights has served as a powerful driving force behind the Korean revolution.
Describing the present as a turning point in the party’s history and the dawn of a new era of transformation, Kim expressed deep respect for the veteran comrades and former soldiers who have steadfastly upheld the party’s ideology and cause.
Notably, he conveyed warm encouragement from the Workers’ Party of Korea and the entire people to overseas operational units, commanders, and soldiers who reliably execute the orders of the party and homeland—a message widely interpreted as referring to North Korean troops deployed to Russia since October of last year for operations in Kursk.
Kim asserted that safeguarding the sovereignty of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and protecting the safety and interests of the Korean people is the paramount mission and absolute duty of the military. He emphasized that the military must continue to evolve into an invincible force that eliminates all threats to national defense through its political, ideological, and military superiority.
He added that the party and the government of the Republic will fulfill their responsibilities in the joint struggle of progressive humanity to oppose injustice and hegemony and to defend justice and peace. The terms injustice and hegemony appear to be indirect references to Western countries, particularly the U.S.
Kim emphasized that today, it reaffirms that the sovereignty and the enduring nature of the cause can only be protected and guaranteed through strength and victory.
Interestingly, Kim refrained from directly mentioning South Korea or the U.S. during his address. He remarked that the essence of strengthening the national defense lies in the fact that the party and revolutionary armed forces are deeply rooted in the people, and the sacred purpose and mission are for the people.
Despite this rhetoric, the parade showcased powerful displays of new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of striking the U.S. mainland, such as the Hwasong-20, along with upgraded short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) like the Hwasong-11, designed for potential use against South Korea.
This year’s celebration of the Workers’ Party’s 80th anniversary marked a significant political event and an important milestone for North Korea, coinciding with a notable anniversary year.
North Korea invited high-ranking officials from China, Russia, and Vietnam, signaling a strong display of anti-U.S. solidarity during the event.
However, Kim’s approach appears to balance the showcasing of new weapon systems with a tone that avoids direct provocation of the U.S., suggesting that the possibility for dialogue remains open amid ongoing tensions.
During the event, Kim positioned himself alongside Li Qiang, the Chinese Premier; Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council; and the top leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam, emphasizing that the anniversary serves as an opportunity to broaden diplomatic outreach.