Kim Jong-un commemorates Victory Day as North Korea condemns US troop buildup in Japan

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the 73rd Victory Day celebrations marking the Korean War armistice, meeting war veterans and honored citizens in Pyongyang. The events included visits to national cemeteries, a military parade, a gala and featured his daughter Kim Ju-ae making her first public appearance.

In a separate statement, North Korea denounced a recent increase of 215 personnel by United States Forces Japan, calling the move a "war command centre" aimed at preparing for an "all‑out war" in the Asia‑Pacific. Lt. Gen. Stephen F. Jost said the addition was intended to improve coordination with Japan's Self‑Defense Forces. The Korean Central News Agency warned that North Korea would be the first target of any such conflict and criticised broader trilateral security exercises involving South Korea, the United States and Japan.