Kim Jong Un marks Korean War anniversary with daughter

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un marked the 73rd anniversary of the Korean War armistice with a series of cemetery visits on July -, 2026, accompanied publicly for the first time by his daughter, Ju Ae, an appearance that fueled ongoing speculation about her political future. According to state media, Kim visited memorials in Pyongyang, met with war veterans, and laid flowers at the graves of first-generation guerrilla fighters, reiterating the state's longstanding claim of a "great victory" in the 1950-1953 conflict.

The armistice, signed on July 27, 1953, ended combat but was never replaced by a peace treaty, leaving the Korean Peninsula technically at war. North Korea commemorates the date as Victory Day. During the commemorations, Kim visited the Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs Cemetery, where he wished veterans good health and long lives, describing the war as a defense of national sovereignty and global peace against the United States and its allies. He also paid respects at the Revolutionary Martyrs Cemetery on Mount Taesong, honoring anti-Japanese guerrillas and early leaders.

A significant element of this year's events was the detailed coverage of Kim's visit to the...