On August 22, North Korean news agency KCNA said that leader Kim Jong-un had awarded medals to soldiers who had fought in Russia during the conflict with Ukraine. In his speech, Mr. Kim Jong-un praised the force as a "hero", and affirmed that the fighting activities abroad have proven the strength of the North Korean army.
According to KCNA, Mr. Kim Jong-un emphasized that "the actions in Kursk" are a testament to the resilient fighting spirit of the soldiers he calls " held". He also laid flowers on the memorial wall for North Korean soldiers who died overseas.
After the ceremony, Pyongyang held a concert for soldiers returning from Russia, along with a reception with the participation of relatives of those who died.
KCNA reported earlier that Kim Jong-un had met with officers of the overseas combat force and expressed his respect for the fallen soldiers.
According to information from South Korean lawmakers cited by the country's intelligence agency, about 600 North Korean soldiers have died out of a total of 15,000 soldiers deployed to Russia to fight in the conflict with Ukraine.
This public honoring move marks North Korea's latest effort to affirm the role of the military in its activities outside the territory, while strengthening the image of solidarity and the spirit of sacrifice of its soldiers.
