A tearful Kim Jong-un was seen consoling the families of North Korean soldiers who died while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The ceremony, held in Pyongyang on Friday, paid tribute to troops killed in battle, as the North Korean leader sought to project solidarity with their sacrifice.
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During the event, Kim awarded “hero” titles to returning soldiers who had fought in the Kursk region alongside Russian units. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, he expressed sorrow that he could only meet those who had lost their lives through photographs displayed on a memorial wall.
Intelligence assessments from South Korea and Western agencies suggest that in 2024 Pyongyang deployed more than 20,000 soldiers to the Kursk region. Of these, around 600 are believed to have been killed in action, reflecting the scale of North Korea’s commitment to supporting Moscow’s war effort.
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The rare public acknowledgement of losses by Kim underscores the regime’s attempt to bolster nationalist sentiment at home while deepening military ties with Russia. Observers note that the ceremony highlights not only the cost of North Korea’s involvement but also its determination to demonstrate loyalty to its ally in an increasingly polarised global landscape.
