Seoul: North Korea has conducted a ceremonial parade to commemorate the 73rd anniversary of the armistice that concluded the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. The event, which featured columns symbolizing units that participated in the war, was reported by state media on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the parade on the previous day, accompanied by senior party, government, and military officials, as well as war veterans. Diplomats from China and Russia, stationed in Pyongyang, were also present. The armistice, signed on July 27, 1953, marked the cessation of hostilities in the war, and North Korea has regarded the date as Victory Day since 1996, asserting it triumphed over U.S.-led forces.
The parade included formations reenacting North Korean military units from the Korean War, followed by modern representations of the country's ground, naval, and air forces. Kim Jong-un extended encouragement to the military ranks, highlighting their loyalty, patriotism, and fighting spirit. North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol delivered a speech, emphasizing the military's role in leading the nation into a new era of national strength.
The ceremony, as per KCNA, demonstrated the younger generation's commitment to achieving new victories and building a prosperous future. A separate report covered a commemorative gala attended by Kim, honoring the wartime contributions of the Chinese People's Volunteers through film and song. Images released by KCNA showed Kim's wife, Ri Sol-ju, and daughter, Kim Ju-ae, in attendance.
The report noted the audience's strong emotional response to footage highlighting the sacrifices of Chinese soldiers who fought alongside North Korean forces. It emphasized the enduring friendship between North Korea and China, founded on shared ideals and joint military history.
Kim also visited national cemeteries to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, including Chinese troops. Among the sites was a cemetery with the remains of 134 Chinese soldiers, where he paid his respects, framing their sacrifice as the cornerstone of the enduring friendship between North Korea and China.