Photo: Roman Harak (Wikimedia Commons)
Photo: Roman Harak | Wikimedia Commons
North Korea has reportedly signed up around 800,000 young people for military service, according to state media on Saturday. This comes a day after the country launched a long-range nuclear missile, seen as a warning to the U.S. and South Korea.
Key Points:
The report shows a rise in anti-U.S. and South Korean propaganda, with North Korean youth vowing to "completely wipe out" enemies and unify the countries.
Although the ages of those who signed up weren't announced, North Korean men must serve in the military for at least 10 years, while women must serve for at least three years due to the country's conscription system.
The report follows a state media report on Friday that showed off enemy weapons capabilities in the most detailed way seen in years.
Experts say the propaganda and missile launch are part of efforts to raise tensions, with North Korea seeking to demonstrate it can "overpower" enemy military capabilities.
A Rodong Sinmun editorial on Saturday urged citizens to continue to bear "hardships" and pursue the ruling party's construction and agriculture goals as authorities build up nuclear weapons to fend off enemy states.