Democratic Socialists of America Endorse Controversial Pro-North Korea Rally
Zohran Mamdani, a prominent member of the Democratic Socialists of America’s (DSA) New York chapter, aligned with a pro-North Korea demonstration that included chants against imperialism, as reported.
The event, known as the People’s Summit for Korea, took place in Harlem and bizarrely advocated for the reunification of the Korean peninsula under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, a known authoritarian figure.
The DSA’s International Committee was among various leftist organizations endorsing the event, which envisioned a reunified Korea as a socialist utopia governed by its northern regime.
Amid these proceedings, a smaller gathering occurred near Times Square on July 27, demanding an end to U.S. military and economic influence over Korea.
The summit attracted over 500 attendees, promoting admiration for North Korea—a nation often regarded as one of the United States’ primary adversaries worldwide. Participants vocally advocated for "death to imperialism" and aimed to dismantle U.S. dominance in the region.
Although Mamdani did not participate directly, sources described his association with the rally, conducted from July 25 to 27 at Riverside Church, as questionable.
Political strategist Hank Sheinkopf raised concerns about the implications for Chinese and Korean immigrants who have fled oppressive regimes, questioning how such support for Mamdani might be perceived.
Despite the heavy criticism, the summit’s agenda included speeches denouncing U.S. actions, featuring keynote speaker Brian Becker, who lamented the "demonization" of North Korea within the U.S.
Becker, the National Director of the ANSWER Coalition—an anti-war organization with connections to other groups—claimed that conditions in the U.S. could significantly impact global movements toward socialism.
The summit featured troubling dialogues, with speakers connecting the struggles of Palestinians with those of North Koreans against U.S. imperialism. One Palestinian Youth Movement representative emphasized solidarity in efforts to dismantle U.S. influence.
The North Korean regime is notorious for strict societal control; reports indicate that imprisonment can result from minor offenses, while accessing foreign media can lead to death. With over 40% of its population reportedly malnourished in 2024, as cited by Amnesty International, the nation’s humanitarian crisis persists.
Betsy Yoon, an adjunct professor at CUNY’s Baruch College and a board member of the nonprofit Nodutdol, also participated. The organization advocates for Korean reunification and a withdrawal of U.S. troops.
A recent report indicated that the event’s rhetoric closely mirrored North Korean propaganda, promoting the idea of a communist reunification.
The summit also hosted networking sessions aimed at mobilizing pro-North Korean student groups on American campuses.
Despite its radical themes and proximity to foreign adversaries, the event received formal backing from the DSA, highlighting a controversial alliance.
Numerous nonprofits, linked to billionaire Neville Singham, also supported the summit. Singham has been associated with various leftist movements and anti-Israel protests following significant violence in the region.
In addition to Mamdani, the DSA supports progressive figures such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, underscoring an alignment with increasingly radical perspectives.
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