North Korea stages anti-U.S. war rallies
North Korea marked the 75th anniversary of the Korean War's outbreak with significant anti-US rallies and heightened propaganda, as state media reported tens of thousands gathered at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium. Participants held placards with slogans such as “Let’s eradicate US imperialist invaders” and “The entire US mainland is within our striking range,” pledging “merciless revenge” against the United States. This year's commemorations were particularly notable, coinciding with the anniversary of the war's start, which North Korea refers to as the “Fatherland Liberation War.” The regime celebrates July 27, the date of the 1953 armistice, as “Victory Day,” despite the war ending in a stalemate. Such anniversaries are often used to showcase military strength and rally domestic support through displays of nationalism and anti-American sentiment.
In contrast, South Korea observed the anniversary with solemn ceremonies, reflecting on the war's devastation and the ongoing division of the Korean Peninsula. The Korean War, which began on June 25, 1950, resulted in massive casualties and left the peninsula divided, a situation that persists today. The anniversary events highlight the enduring tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the starkly different narratives upheld by the North and South regarding the war and its legacy.
North Korea staged various rallies inciting anti-American sentiment, with students, female workers, and members of the largest women's organization vowing retaliation against the US for alleged Korean War atrocities. A video depicting “abominable” crimes committed by the US was shown, and young participants warned of their commitment to retaliate against “imperialist US invaders.” June 25 is observed in North Korea as a day of struggle against US imperialism, with mass rallies held throughout the month.
