Inside North Korea’s Low-Key 72nd Victory Day Festivities

A Silent Celebration in Pyongyang

This year’s Victory Day in Pyongyang was notably quieter than usual with no massive midnight parade or elaborate pyrotechnics. Journalists reported a large gathering of war veterans arriving by train and bus from across the country to the capital, where they were greeted warmly by party officials at the station. Even Kim Jong-un’s presence remained unofficial, and while gifts were sent to veterans nationwide, speculation swirled over whether the leader would appear in person.

Honoring the War Heroes

Veterans and families gathered at the Liberation War Victory Museum and the War Martyrs’ Cemetery to pay respects to those who fell in the 1950–53 conflict. State media described tearful reunions and traditional wreath-laying ceremonies that underscored the regime’s effort to nurture patriotic sentiment among new generations. Youth delegations performed songs like Our 7.27 and Glory to General Kim, blending nostalgia with ideological emphasis on defending the homeland.

Cultural Performances and Reflections

Art troupes from the Youth Central Arts Propaganda Brigade staged musical and dance programs at the Central Youth Hall, featuring wartime ballads that aimed to instill resilience in younger audiences. An accompanying art exhibition revealed graphic wartime atrocities, stirring calls for vengeance if the peninsula were ever threatened again. Bloggers noted this year’s focus on cultural exhibitions over military displays, sparking questions about whether North Korea is shifting its priorities toward softer propaganda.

Voices from the Online Community

Across Naver and Tistory blogs, posts ranged from excitement at seeing veterans honored to curiosity over the absence of a grand parade. Some wrote that modern youth in Pyongyang seemed more interested in concerts and exhibitions than military pomp, while others admired the regime’s careful blend of tradition and theater. International observers on forums asked why China’s Victory Day parades grab headlines while North Korea’s remain subdued. Enthusiasts wondered if future anniversaries will strike a similar balance between solemn remembrance and public spectacle.