The ceremony to award medals and commendations to commanders and soldiers of the overseas combat unit of the Korean People's Army (KPA) took place at the headquarters of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on 22/8.
In his speech at the ceremony, Kim Jong-un praised the soldiers deployed to Kursk as "great heroes and patriots".
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Kim Jong-un hugs a soldier during the award ceremony. Photo: KCNA |
Kim Jong-un hugs a soldier during the award ceremony. Photo: KCNA
"These brave soldiers have achieved great feats, upholding the reputation of the KPA and ensuring the survival and development of our state," he said.
According to Kim, the courage of the North Korean army shows that the military of any country cannot avoid a tragic fate if it confronts Pyongyang.
He awarded the "Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" medal to commanders and soldiers for their "outstanding achievements" on the battlefield. He also placed medals next to the portraits of soldiers who died in Russia, laid flowers at the memorial wall, observed a moment of silence, and offered condolences to their families.
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Kim Jong-un places medals next to photos of fallen soldiers. Photo: KCNA |
Kim Jong-un places medals next to photos of fallen soldiers. Photo: KCNA
Kim Jong-un called on the army to become an "elite and powerful" armed force and to be fully prepared for the fight against the enemy's "military provocations".
"This environment does not allow us to be negligent and requires the army to have outstanding and thorough preparation," he said.
This is the first time North Korea has held an awards ceremony for soldiers fighting abroad. The event also included a concert and reception for the soldiers and relatives of those who died.
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Kim Jong-un bows to the relatives of fallen soldiers. Photo: KCNA |
Kim Jong-un bows to the relatives of fallen soldiers. Photo: KCNA
In August 2024, Ukraine launched an offensive in Russia's Kursk province. North Korea sent forces to assist Russia in repelling Ukrainian forces and liberating Kursk at the end of April. South Korean intelligence said that Pyongyang sent 10,000 personnel.
In May, Kim Jong-un affirmed that sending troops to fight in Kursk was "legitimate and an exercise of sovereign rights to protect a brother nation". In late June, he paid tribute to the soldiers who died in Kursk, draping their coffins with flags and placing his hand on them.
During a phone call with Kim on 12/8, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude for the "sacrificial spirit of the North Korean soldiers," affirming that their actions demonstrated courage and heroism.
Huyen Le (According to KCNA, Reuters, Yonhap)
