The heroic Korean People’s Army (KPA), standing firm in its duty to protect the sovereignty and security of the state and ensure the happiness of the beloved people, proudly celebrates its 77th founding anniversary. The KPA remains a force of victory and miracles, standing as the most powerful strength of the nation, guided by the belief: “For our great Party, for our great state, for our great people.”
On February 8, the respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, visited the Ministry of National Defence to congratulate and inspire the service personnel of the KPA. The moment was filled with deep emotion and joy as soldiers welcomed the great commander who has strengthened the KPA into an invincible force, leading them to victory and glory with his unwavering trust and love.
At the Ministry of National Defence, the colours of victory, symbols of the honour of all KPA services and corps, combined units, and units at all levels, were displayed in recognition of the glorious occasion. When the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un arrived, the soldiers erupted into cheers of “Hurrah!” as they welcomed the iron-willed leader who has ushered in a new era of military strength through his brilliant ideas and matchless leadership. A solemn ceremony took place to greet the head of state. After receiving a salute from the head of the guard of honour, Kim Jong Un reviewed the troops and the colours of the three services before being greeted by senior military officials, including No Kwang Chol, Jong Kyong Thaek, and Ri Yong Gil.
A march-past of the guard of honour followed, and Kim Jong Un met with commanding officers of all levels within the Ministry of National Defence and the KPA. During this meaningful gathering, he delivered an important speech marking the anniversary. He praised the heroic mettle and revolutionary spirit of the KPA, which has continuously written a history of victories and performed extraordinary feats while upholding the sacred duty of being the army of the Party and the leader. He extended warm congratulations to the generals, officers, and soldiers who dedicate their sweat and blood to defending the country and building a powerful future.
Kim Jong Un analyzed the evolving global political, military, and geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need to further strengthen the war readiness of the DPRK’s armed forces. He highlighted the dangers posed by the continued deployment of U.S. nuclear strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula, the joint U.S.-Japan-ROK military alliance, and the formation of an “Asian NATO,” which he described as destabilizing factors threatening regional security. He stated that the DPRK has no interest in unnecessary regional tensions but will take decisive measures to maintain military balance, ensuring peace and stability through strength.
He noted that crises in the Middle East, including in Gaza and Syria, as well as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, demonstrate the reckless aggression of the U.S., which remains the key instigator of war worldwide. He strongly condemned Washington’s role in prolonging the war in Ukraine, accusing it of pursuing global hegemony by fueling conflict against Russia. He reaffirmed that the DPRK stands firmly against all acts undermining international justice and will continue to support Russia in its just struggle to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with the DPRK-Russia strategic partnership.
He emphasized that the shadow of U.S. intervention in global conflicts proves the necessity of the DPRK’s policy of strengthening its military capabilities, particularly its nuclear deterrent. He reaffirmed the unshakable policy of further developing the nuclear forces to ensure the state’s security and prevent war. He stressed that the future of the KPA depends on its commanders and called for even greater ideological and moral strengthening of the armed forces. He urged that every soldier be trained to hold a correct understanding of the enemy and maintain an unyielding revolutionary spirit.
Kim Jong Un outlined key tasks for making this year a great year of training, intensifying war preparations to meet the demands of modern warfare, and ensuring strict military discipline and combat readiness. He expressed confidence that the KPA, ever loyal to the Party, the country, and the people, will continue its proud legacy of victory. He called on the soldiers to fight courageously for the dignity of the DPRK and the happiness of its people.
His powerful words filled the military leadership with deep emotion and determination. As he concluded his speech, the soldiers erupted in stormy cheers of “Hurrah!” vowing to uphold their sacred duty as the army of the Party, the army of the leader, and the army of the people. Kim Jong Un then took commemorative photographs with the commanding officers, soldiers, and units, further reinforcing his unwavering trust in the KPA. The participants paid their highest tribute to the great commander, who is leading the KPA to become the strongest military force, capable of overwhelming any enemy ideologically, strategically, and technically.
He reminded them that although the days of the army’s founding and war victories grow more distant with time, the revolutionary spirit of the forerunners who built the victorious tradition of heroic Korea must never be forgotten. He urged the current generation to achieve even greater feats, surpassing past victories, and to shoulder the honour of the times with pride. He expressed firm belief that the KPA will continue to shine with undying glory as it safeguards the Party, the revolution, and the people with unwavering determination.
The soldiers once again erupted into thunderous cheers of “Kim Jong Un!” and “Death-defying defense!” reaffirming their resolute pledge to continue writing the history of the KPA’s heroic victories under the leadership of the great Party. Kim Jong Un’s visit to the Ministry of National Defence will forever be recorded as a significant event that further strengthened the mission of the revolutionary armed forces of the DPRK to guarantee the sure victory of the state and propel the grand advance for national prosperity with their indomitable spirit and determination.
