North Korea officially confirmed that the day it decided to deploy troops to Russia was August 28, last year. This was shortly after Ukraine invaded Kursk, which is part of Russian territory. North Korea also released documents showing that Chairman Kim Jong Un directly issued attack orders to special operations forces on three occasions in October and December of last year.
On the 30th, Korean Central Television released a music video titled "Remember," glorifying the troops deployed to the Ukrainian war. The video showcased the document titled "Plans for the Attack Operation for the Liberation of Kursk," which was approved by Chairman Kim last year.
In the video, Kim Jong Un, dressed in summer white people's military attire, is seen meeting with six officials in summer uniforms, including Vice Chairperson Pak Jong Chon of the Central Military Commission and First Vice Minister Kim Jong Sik of the Central Committee, as well as Deputy Chief of Staff Ri Chang Ho and Director of Reconnaissance.
Korean Central Television stated through subtitles, "On August 28, 2024, the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea decided to deploy the Korean People's Army special operations forces to participate in the liberation operation of Kursk."
It added that Kim Jong Un's message included, "We will consider acts of sovereignty infringement by the United States and Western bloc against Russia's territory as acts of sovereignty infringement against our country." "Soldiers! Rise up with unparalleled bravery and heroic fighting spirit to eliminate the Ukrainian armed intruders and liberate Kursk!"
On June 19 of last year, Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership treaty" in Pyongyang, North Korea. The treaty states that if either party is invaded and enters a state of war, it will provide military and other assistance without delay using all means at its disposal.
On August 12 of last year, Ukraine invaded Kursk in Russian territory. North Korea deployed about 11,000 troops at the end of October and added over 3,000 more troops between January and February of this year.
North Korea reported on the 29th that Kim Jong Un held a second state commendation ceremony for the soldiers of the Korean People's Army who participated in overseas operations. This is a large-scale memorial event to comfort the families of soldiers who died after being deployed to the Ukrainian war.
North Korean state media reported on the 22nd that a 'Wall of Remembrance' was erected at the headquarters of the Labor Party and medals were awarded to 101 portraits of fallen soldiers. This was a memorial event held again after a week.
On this day, Kim Jong Un invited the families of the fallen soldiers to the Pyongyang Mokran Hall, known as a top state banquet hall, and personally delivered the portraits of the deceased wrapped in artificial flags while taking commemorative photos with them. Those soldiers, who achieved commendable feats during overseas military operations, were awarded the titles of 'Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea,' gold stars, and first-class national flags.
Kim Jong Un stated, "I wanted to create this occasion to meet the families of the heroes separately to comfort them somewhat and to alleviate their grief and sense of loss," and added, "I once again apologize to the families for not being able to protect their precious lives."
He continued, "I will send the children left behind by the heroes to revolutionary schools, taking full responsibility for raising them well as I, the state, and our army will do." Revolutionary schools are special educational institutions aimed at raising the children of so-called revolutionaries who died contributing to the state and society as candidates for Party officials.
Kim Jong Un mentioned plans to create a new street for the families of veterans in the Daeseong District of Pyongyang, saying, "Let's name it 'New Star Street' to praise the shining feats of our soldiers."
The Labor Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported images of families of the deceased weeping while holding portraits of the fallen soldiers, and children sniffing while caressing their father's picture. It also published a picture of Kim Jong Un looking emotional with reddened eyes as he bowed respectfully to the families.
The National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly in April that North Korean military casualties total 4,700, including 600 fatalities.