Kim Jong Un Attends North Korean Regime Anniversary Event... Unification Ministry Highlights "Normal State Image, Internal Unity"

Kim Jong Un Expresses Respect for Soldiers in Overseas Military Operations
Ministry of Unification: "Non-Disclosure of Full Speech Is Unusual"

On the occasion of the 78th anniversary of its regime establishment, North Korea pledged to uphold the constitution and maintain the socialist system in front of the national flag, led by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The continuation of last year's inaugural flag-raising and central oath ceremony this year is seen as an effort to boost patriotism and internal unity among the population.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met with labor innovators and meritorious figures invited to the celebration event marking the 78th anniversary of the founding of the Republic (Regime Establishment Day, September 9) at the Pyongyang Assembly Hall on the 9th, offering congratulations and encouragement, according to Korean Central Television on the 10th. Yonhap News Agency

An official from the Ministry of Unification stated to reporters at the Government Complex Seoul on the 10th, "Since last year, North Korea has been holding flag-raising ceremonies and central oath meetings to mark the regime's founding, presenting itself as a normal state while instilling patriotism and reinforcing internal solidarity among its citizens."

The official further commented, "Overall, the events were held at a similar level to those in non-landmark years (not ending in multiples of five)." It was observed that the wording of the oaths remained almost identical to last year. However, unlike in 2023 and 2024, this year Kim Jong Un's speech included no separate messages directed abroad, and the full text of the speech was not released. The ministry characterized the non-disclosure of the full text as unusual. It is suggested that this may reflect a cautious approach and a wait-and-see stance in a fluid situation.

Earlier, Rodong Sinmun reported that on the previous day, a flag-raising ceremony and central oath meeting were held at the Pyongyang Assembly Hall to commemorate the 78th anniversary of North Korea’s regime establishment. The event was attended by standing members of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, leaders from the party, government, and military, as well as senior officials from the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, the Cabinet, ministries, central agencies, commanders of the Korean People's Army, and Pyongyang Supreme People's Assembly delegates.

Following a lead given by Kim Jong Un, participants pledged to "thoroughly defend the constitution of the Republic and strictly fulfill their legal duties" and to "firmly uphold socialist ideals and the socialist system."

Im Eulchul, a professor at the Kyungnam University Institute for Far Eastern Studies, analyzed, "This is a new performance of governance in the Kim Jong Un era, aiming to solidify domestic unity and elevate the country's international presence under the frame of state-first policy and constitutional legitimacy, presenting an image of a normal state."

In his speech, Kim Jong Un also extended congratulations and appreciation to workers, military personnel, overseas compatriot organizations, and made mention of troops deployed to Russia. He stated, "I express special thanks and utmost respect to our commanders and soldiers who are currently participating in overseas military operations."

Park Wongon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Womans University, said, "Kim Jong Un's continued references to North Korean soldiers dispatched to the Russia-Ukraine war are meant to frame their sacrifice—not as meaningless—but as part of a heroic narrative. This conveys the message of further unifying North Korea and reinforcing the ruling system."

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