North Korea will build a memorial hall in Pyongyang to honor the deaths of soldiers it dispatched to Russia.
(North) Korean Central News Agency reported on the 24th that "a battle meritorious service memorial hall praying for the eternal life of the proud war heroes of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea will be built in the capital, Pyongyang," adding that a groundbreaking ceremony was held the previous day with State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un in attendance.
The agency said, "The feats and brilliant military achievements built with the blood and lives of the fighters of the Republic's armed forces in the military operation to liberate Kursk Oblast of the fraternal Russian Federation are a miraculous victory legend to be specially recorded in the history of the founding of Juche and the anti-imperialist revolutionary struggle." This made it clear that the memorial is for North Korean soldiers killed in action who were sent to the Russian operation to retake Kursk.
In his speech at the groundbreaking, Kim Jong Un said, "(This memorial) is a great symbol of the ever-strengthening relations between Korea and Russia," and added, "Pyongyang will always be with Moscow, and our friendly unity will be eternal."
Kim said, "Exactly one year ago as of today (on the 23rd), the last formation of our expeditionary unit's fighters departed for Russia," emphasizing that "from that sacred step, a new history of militant unity began, in which relations between Korea and Russia sublimated into the highest level of trust, exchanging blood from the same trench, and into the most truthful, solid, and invincible relationship that shares life and fate."
This is the first time in North Korea that a memorial honoring the sacrifices of soldiers dispatched overseas will be built. The decision to construct it was made at the expanded meeting of the Party Central Military Commission on May 28. The memorial will be located in Hwasong District, a new town in Pyongyang, and will consist of a cemetery for participating soldiers called "Ryoesaryeong," a memorial hall, and a monument. Photos, artworks, and relics showing the activities of the dispatched troops will also be exhibited.