By Seong-ho Jhe Professor Emeritus, Chung-Ang University
SEOUL, South Korea: North Korea celebrates July 27th as “Victory Day,” commemorating the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953. The day, officially termed “Victory Memorial Day in the Fatherland Liberation War,” is portrayed by the regime as the triumph of North Korea over South Korea and its allies, notably the United States, in the Korean War.
According to North Korean narratives, the war, which began in June 1950, was initiated by a surprise attack from South Korea, allegedly incited by U.S. imperialism. North Korean textbooks and state propaganda assert that under the leadership of Kim Il-sung, North Korea repelled the invasion and achieved a self-defense victory.
However, this version of history is widely regarded as a distortion of facts. Declassified Soviet Union documents reveal that the Korean War was actually a “war of surprise southern invasion” orchestrated by Kim Il-sung with support from the Soviet Union and China. North Korean forces managed to capture Seoul, the South Korean capital, just three days after the war began, debunking the North Korean claim of a defensive war. The United Nations Security Council, in three resolutions passed in 1950, also identified North Korea as the aggressor, labeling its actions as a breach of peace.
The term “Fatherland Liberation War” used by North Korea to describe the conflict is considered misleading, as it obscures the reality that the war was an aggressive attempt by North Korea to unify the Korean Peninsula under communist rule. Moreover, the war ended in a stalemate with the signing of the armistice in 1953, leaving the Korean Peninsula technically still at war. Therefore, North Korea’s claim of victory is widely viewed as baseless.
North Korea uses “Victory Day” as a tool for propaganda, aiming to bolster regime solidarity and promote anti-American sentiment. The day is marked by various state-sponsored events, including military parades, mass gatherings, and propaganda campaigns. The regime seeks to foster unity between the ruling party and the people by glorifying its military achievements and justifying its continued focus on defense spending.
Despite these efforts, the North Korean regime’s prioritization of military development over the welfare of its people raises significant concerns. The regime allocates substantial resources to weapons development, including nuclear missiles, while neglecting the basic needs of its population. In 2022 alone, North Korea conducted more than 60 missile launches, spending billions of dollars on these activities despite facing severe food shortages and economic challenges.
International voices, such as Professor Vitit Muntarbhorn, the first UN Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in North Korea, have long urged the regime to shift from its “Military-First Politics” to a “People-First Politics” that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens. However, these calls have largely gone unheeded.
North Korea’s continued focus on military development and its cooperation with Russia in arms trading pose a threat to regional peace and stability in Northeast Asia. The international community has expressed concern over these activities, warning that they could escalate tensions in the region. It is increasingly clear that North Korea’s approach of relying on military might and propaganda cannot sustain the country in the long term.
For the future of North Korea and its people, it is imperative that the regime reconsider its priorities. Addressing the basic needs of the population, such as food security, and adhering to international norms would not only improve the lives of North Koreans but also enhance the country’s standing in the global community. The time for North Korea to change its course is now, with a focus on genuine development and responsible governance rather than military adventurism.
