When History Took a Breather
On the 25th of June, 2018, a strange chill settled over the Korean Peninsula. For the first time since the war, the usual back‑and‑forth over the border turned into a polite sit‑down.
Pyongyang’s New Playbook
- Less Anti‑US broadsheets: State media, which usually shout at Uncle Sam, did a quick wipe‑out of the usual hate‑cry this year.
- Allegiance to Industry: Irony‑laden visuals switched from missile launches to bustling factories and serene farms.
- Artillery Shuffle: Seoul hinted that North Korea might “move its long‑range guns” away from the critical buffer zone.
Seoul’s Playful Pleasantries
Prime Minister Lee Nak‑yon told reporters that while the war began in the North’s “invasion,” the mood today is all about dialogue. “It’s a moment for reflection, and we’re moving forward together,” he said.
Why the Cheeze‑cog resonates
- There are roughly a thousand artillery pieces perched on the border—just a stone’s throw from Seoul.
- Yesterday’s prompt suspension of U.S. drills meant the U.S. “paused the dance,” giving the North a slightly less hostile look.
- Singapore summit: Kim and Trump shook hands, declaring a “road to denuclearisation.” Critics argued the proclamation was more photo‑ops than a full blueprint.
What the North Posted
In a stark departure from 2017, the Rodong Sinmun avoided gawking at “U.S. Imperialists” and instead said:
“Every year on this day, our army and people row a boat of memories, full of creed and determination to defend the nation,” and then bragged about the solidarity of the Korean citizenry—without naming the enemy.
The article also keyed into the month’s “war anniversary vibes,” casually omitting any mention of that big, old skirmish dated back to 1950.
Why No Trump in the Headlines?
Scholars speculate the omission is a calculated move to keep the diplomatic momentum alive. “Going quiet on the U.S. narrative is a statement in itself,” analysts note. The quiet getaway from a once‑fiery script doesn’t leave the regime rattling in the familiar chatter—just a soft pause.
Where Did the Old Rhetoric Are?
- No “holocaust” references that roared through last year’s six pages.
- No “U.S. mass killings” or “wartime barbarity” in the December‑sinner lineup.
- Instead, a new narrative urges the reader to picture industrial progress and hopeful cooperation.
In summary, this anniversary was less a drumbeat of war and more a strange dance of diplomacy—complete with a handshake from the big shoes of North and the U.S. President. Whether it’s an “action plan” or a “stylistic showcase,” the world will watch how the next chapters unfold.
Bottom Line
- The Korean War’s 68‑year commemoration was unusually calm.
- North’s media smoothed over the typical anti‑sect humor.
- South Korea hinted at moving artillery farther from the frontier.
- Singapore’s summit sparked the start of a new (hopefully enduring) tone of dialogue.
