Did North Korea's Kim Console Families of Fallen Troops?
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Synopsis
In a poignant ceremony, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un comforted families of soldiers lost in the Russia-Ukraine war. As he prepares for an upcoming summit with Putin, this event highlights the sacrifices made and the ongoing military collaboration between North Korea and Russia.
Key Takeaways
- Kim Jong-un consoled families of soldiers killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- A new street named Saebyol Street will be built in honor of the fallen troops.
- Approximately 600 North Korean soldiers have died in combat according to reports.
- The ceremony reflects North Korea's military collaboration with Russia.
- Children of the fallen will be educated in revolutionary schools.
Seoul, Aug 30 (NationPress) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has offered condolences to the grieving families of the nation’s troops sent to Russia who lost their lives during the conflict with Ukraine during a recent ceremony honoring military personnel for their overseas service, as reported by state media on Saturday.
This ceremony took place just days ahead of Kim's journey to China, where he is set to participate in a grand military parade on Wednesday alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kim attended a second ceremony on Friday to present state honors to soldiers who took part in the war, as reported by Yonhap, referencing the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
By hosting this ceremony, North Korea appears to aim at emphasizing the sacrifices made by its troops in the conflict ahead of Kim's anticipated summit with Putin in China, according to experts.
This commendation event followed the KCNA's report on August 22 concerning the first ceremony held in Pyongyang. Images released by state media depicted Kim placing the nation's hero medals next to portraits of 101 soldiers who died in combat.
During this week’s ceremony, Kim presented wrapped portraits of other deceased soldiers, adorned with the North's national flags, to their grieving family members and participated in a photo session with them, according to the KCNA.
“To all the bereaved families of the martyrs, I once again express my regret about not being able to save the precious lives of our officers and soldiers who fell on foreign battlegrounds, as I am distressed that I could not return them alive here,” Kim stated.
He also revealed plans to construct a new street in Pyongyang's Taesong district to honor the fallen troops' deeds, naming it “Saebyol Street,” which translates to morning star.
The remains of the “martyrs” will be interred in a prominent location within the arboretum in front of the street, with a monument for their “immortal combat feats” to be erected, Kim mentioned.
Kim asserted that the children left behind by these heroes would be sent to “revolutionary schools” to educate them as “staunch and courageous fighters like their fathers,” pledging to take “full responsibility” for their upbringing.
Revolutionary schools are specialized educational institutions aimed at training the children of “revolutionists” who sacrificed for the state as potential candidates for key party positions.
Since October of last year, North Korea has been supplying conventional weapons and approximately 13,000 troops to bolster Russia's military efforts amid escalating bilateral military collaboration.
According to South Korea's intelligence agency, around 600 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have been killed in combat, with over 4,000 North Korean troops also reported injured.
Point of View
It is paramount to approach this situation with a balanced perspective. While the North Korean leadership seeks to project strength and solidarity through these ceremonies, the humanitarian impact on the families of fallen soldiers must also be acknowledged. The ongoing military cooperation with Russia raises questions about broader implications for regional stability.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the ceremony?
The ceremony aimed to honor and console the families of North Korean troops deployed to Russia who were killed in the war against Ukraine. It also served to highlight the sacrifices of these soldiers.
Who attended the ceremony?
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended the ceremony, where he awarded state commendations to the soldiers and consoled bereaved families.
What is the significance of 'Saebyol Street'?
'Saebyol Street,' meaning morning star, is planned to be constructed in memory of the fallen troops, symbolizing their valor and sacrifice.
How many North Korean soldiers have been reported killed?
According to South Korea's spy agency, around 600 North Korean soldiers are believed to have died during combat in the conflict.
What support is being provided to the families of the fallen troops?
Kim Jong-un pledged to take full responsibility for the children of the fallen soldiers, planning to send them to revolutionary schools for their education.
