July 20: DPRK Celebrates 'Victory Day'

Kathmandu – The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) celebrates July 20 as a significant day. The country commemorates this date with reverence and respect for its Supreme leader Kim Il Sung, claiming it marks the defeat of U.S. military forces.

DPRK, which has undergone a major military transformation and developed nuclear capabilities for modern warfare, continues to regard its past with deep respect. According to DPRK claims, under the leadership of Kim Il Sung, the Korean People's Army (KPA) launched an offensive that forced South Korean and U.S. troops to retreat from Seoul within three days.

Despite mobilizing massive military forces and equipment centered around Daejeon, the South Korean and U.S. armies — particularly the 24th Infantry Division — were allegedly unable to withstand the KPA’s advance. DPRK further claims that due to encirclement by the KPA, the 24th Infantry Division commander, General Dean, was captured while trying to escape disguised in a soldier’s uniform — a story DPRK proudly portrays as part of its historical narrative.

The DPRK marks July 20, 1950, as the day its army liberated the city of Daejeon and uses this occasion to educate its citizens about its historical significance. It also asserts that American soldiers, in their own memoirs, acknowledged being caught off guard by the strategic tactics of the DPRK forces.

Furthermore, the period from June 25 to July 27 is observed as an international month of solidarity with the Korean people's just struggle. DPRK celebrates July 27 as "Victory Day," marking the 1953 signing of the armistice agreement at Panmunjom under Kim Il Sung’s leadership, ending the three-year-long Korean War.

The DPRK views July 27 as a symbol of independence, development, dignity, and its ongoing commitment to peace on the Korean Peninsula. The day is also used to call for international support and solidarity with its cause.

DPRK maintains bilateral relations with countries like Russia, and China. Nepal and DPRK have enjoyed long history of friendship and cooperation. Currently, the DPRK embassy based in India deals with matters related to south Asian countries including Nepal.