Ministry of Unification: "North Korea's Military Parade Focused on Internal Cohesion and Encouraging Residents"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the occasion of the 73rd anniversary of the founding of the North Korean regime (September 9), the Ministry of Unification evaluated the midnight military parade as "focused on internal unity and encouraging residents."

An official from the Ministry of Unification responded to reporters' questions on the 10th, stating, "North Korea named this parade the 'Civilian and Security Forces Parade,' conducted it centered on irregular forces and conventional weapons, and in the parade speech by Party Secretary Ri Il-hwan, emphasized 'single-minded unity' and 'self-reliance,'” explaining this assessment.

The official added, "There was no mention of inter-Korean relations or other external relations in this parade," and said, "Regarding North Korea's future policy direction, including foreign policy, we will monitor major political events such as the Supreme People's Assembly (September 28) and the Party Foundation Day (October 10) and make comprehensive judgments."

On September 9, Workers' Party General Secretary Kim Jong-un paid respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun with his wife Ri Sol-ju, but his younger sister, Vice Director Kim Yo-jong, was not seen. Regarding this, the official said, "Vice Director Kim was not identified during this parade and the visit to the Kumsusan Palace, but it is necessary to observe whether she will attend upcoming scheduled political events."

Regarding the International Olympic Committee (IOC) sanctioning North Korea for not participating in the Tokyo Olympics, the official stated, "We understand the IOC's action as a measure taken against a member country," and added, "However, the government will monitor related situations such as consultations centered on the IOC and continue to seek and strive for ways to advance inter-Korean sports exchanges and peace on the Korean Peninsula through various opportunities like the Beijing Olympics, as agreed upon by the South and North Korean leaders."

He continued, "We will also observe the progress of consultations between the IOC and the North Korean NOC in the future."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.