North Korea’s Citizens Show Support for Military with 800,000 Volunteers Joining or Reenlisting in Response to Missile Tests

North Korea has been conducting a series of missile tests in recent days, including the launch of a long-range ballistic missile on Thursday. On Sunday, Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported the launch of a “suspected ballistic missile.” This follows two cruise missiles from a submarine and two short-range ballistic missiles days before.

In response to these tests, North Korea’s state newspaper reported on Saturday that about 800,000 of its citizens had volunteered to join or reenlist in the nation’s military to fight against the United States. The paper said that this was a demonstration of the younger generation’s “unshakeable will” and “ardent patriotism.” South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) also reported that it had detected one short-range ballistic missile fired from the Dongchang-ri area of North Pyongan.

The missile tests come as leaders from South Korea and Japan met in Tokyo to discuss the situation. It is unclear what the outcome of the meeting was, but it is clear that North Korea is determined to continue its missile tests and show its strength.

The international community is watching North Korea’s actions closely, and it remains to be seen what the response will be. In the meantime, North Korea’s citizens have shown their support for the nation’s military and its efforts to counter the United States.