Political Theater at Sea
Beyond the technicalities of the destroyer, the ceremony itself served as political theater—an orchestrated demonstration of national pride, unity, and strength.
A massive crowd, composed of naval officers, shipbuilders, party officials, and handpicked citizens, lined the shipyard, waving North Korean flags and chanting slogans. Large banners proclaimed the “Immortal Leadership of the Great General Kim Jong-un” and the “Invincible Might of Juche Naval Power.” Carefully choreographed performances, including traditional Korean dances and martial music, punctuated the day’s events, reinforcing the emotional tenor of the celebration.
In a televised address, Kim Jong-un spoke passionately about the importance of the nation’s self-reliance, or Juche, in the face of “imperialist encirclement and aggression.” He praised the scientists, engineers, and soldiers who had contributed to the destroyer’s creation and emphasized the role of the Korean People’s Army Navy (KPAN) in “defending the sovereignty and dignity of the Republic against all threats.”
Interestingly, Kim’s speech made several pointed references to “future generations” and “the enduring spirit of the Korean people through our children,” comments that, when paired with Ju-ae’s conspicuous presence, added further fuel to speculation about her symbolic and political role.