North Korea, "Proud Juche Weapon ICBM" Without Mentioning 'Completion of Nuclear Force'

"Kim, the Unparalleled Hero of the Era of National Supremacy"
Will the 5th Anniversary Ceremony be Replaced by an ICBM Launch?

Kim Jong-un, commemorative photo with ICBM contributors [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] North Korea reaffirmed its determination for direct confrontation while promoting the achievements of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. However, it made no particular mention of the 5th anniversary of its so-called 'completion of nuclear force,' leading to speculation that the recent launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) might serve as a substitute commemoration.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, stated on the 29th in an editorial titled "The Homeland is Strong and the People are Dignified," "How proud are our Juche weapons, fully loaded with an unforgiving retaliatory will, against those who dare to covet us and trample on our dignity and sovereignty."

The newspaper referred to the ICBM 'Hwasong-17' launch carried out on the 18th, emphasizing it as "a genuine product of self-reliance, born from our strength, wisdom, and technology."

Regarding the North Korean military that led the parade marking the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army in April, it praised them as "an elite force without a single flaw, from head to toe, including their uniforms and combat gear." It also enumerated the appearance of the world's strongest artillery forces, the super-large multiple rocket launcher units?one of Korea's absolute weapons not found elsewhere?and other advanced, powerful, and ultra-precise weapons, which are core combat weapons of the Korean People's Army, during the parade. It stressed that with these weapons, North Korean citizens enjoy "the exceptional honor and happiness of being citizens of a powerful nation."

The newspaper continued, "Although these are difficult and arduous days of trial, what is the great pride and confidence deeply held in the hearts of our people? My country is strong! That is exactly it," comforting residents weary from economic hardships.

In particular, it argued, "In today's world, where confrontation by strength determines victory or defeat, only by becoming strong can the country and nation protect their present and future?this is an undeniable ironclad truth." It added, "If there is no strength, even when clenching fists, one must only wipe away flowing tears and blood?this is the stark reality today."

Furthermore, after listing Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party's defense-related field guidance this year, it praised him as "an unparalleled hero who has unfolded the era of our country's supreme nationalism on this land," attributing the achievements so far to him.

However, on this day, North Korean state media did not publish any articles directly highlighting the 5th anniversary of the 'completion of nuclear force' declaration. There is speculation that the Hwasong-17 launch on the 18th, capable of striking the U.S. mainland, serves as a substitute ceremony for the 5th anniversary of nuclear force completion.

Previously, after conducting the 6th nuclear test in 2017, North Korea declared the completion of its national nuclear force following the launch of the ICBM-class 'Hwasong-15' on November 29 of the same year. Around this 5th anniversary, possibilities such as a 7th nuclear test or a normal-angle (30?45 degrees) launch of the ICBM 'Hwasong-17' had been raised.