On Tuesday, South Korea demonstrated its military might by organizing its first large-scale parade in decades. Various types of weapons, including tanks and ballistic missiles, were displayed on the streets of Seoul as a response to the deterioration of relations with the DPRK
This was reported by Reuters.
The country celebrates Armed Forces Day, which is usually not highly publicized compared to the grand events the North organizes under leader Kim Jong-un, where strategic weapons such as intercontinental ballistic missiles are displayed.
The parade featured various types of weapons, including tanks and ballistic missiles. They were joined by 300 of the 28,500 U.S. soldiers stationed in the country. The main event was a two-kilometer march through the central part of Seoul, which is the main shopping and business district, to the historic Gwanghwamun district, where the majestic palace is located.
In a speech at an air base in the capital, President Yun Yole warned Pyongyang against using nuclear weapons and promised to increase support for the military and defense industry.
“If North Korea uses nuclear weapons, its regime will be ended with an overwhelming response from the ROK-US alliance (ROK is the initials of the official name of the South, the Republic of Korea – ed.),” Yoon said, addressing the military.
People stood in the streets despite the rain to see a rare up-close display of military equipment, clapping and shouting as soldiers, tanks, missiles, and an underwater drone passed by.
Some activists reportedly protested near the parade site, accusing the government of deepening the conflict, holding a placard that read “Stop the arms race.”
- On July 26, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu met in Pyongyang with North Korean Defense Minister Kang Sun Nam. During the meeting, they allegedly discussed plans to develop military cooperation between Russia and the DPRK.
- Then Kim Jong-un in the DPRK showed Shoigu ballistic missiles banned by a UN Security Council resolution.
