North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ceremoniously inaugurated a new residential district in Pyongyang, intended for the families of soldiers who died during foreign military operations. The investment on Saeppyol Street is part of intensified propaganda glorifying North Korean troops supporting Russia in the war with Ukraine. According to estimates by South Korean intelligence, around 2,000 soldiers sent by the Pyongyang regime may have already been killed in this conflict.

New Housing Complex in Pyongyang

Leader Kim Jong Un opened Saeppyol Street, featuring apartments for the families of soldiers killed in foreign operations, including in Ukraine.

Rising Casualty Count

South Korean intelligence estimates about 2,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed in the conflict, with wounded possibly reaching 6,000.

Propaganda and Succession

The event featured Kim Ju Ae, the leader's daughter, fueling speculation about her role as a potential successor.

Cooperation with Moscow

North Korea provides Russia with soldiers and ammunition in exchange for missile technologies, food, and financial support.

The leader of North Korea inaugurated the opening of the new Saeppyol Street in the country's capital, where modern apartments have been built for the families of military personnel killed on the front lines. During the event, where he was accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, he delivered a speech full of pathos, calling the deceased "young martyrs" and "perfect sons of the fatherland". The construction of the housing complex is meant to be an expression of the state's gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice made in defense of the regime's interests. Analysts emphasize that this is the first such clear attempt to publicly honor the losses incurred as a result of supporting the Russian invasion. Since the signing of the strategic partnership treaty between Russia and North Korea in 2024, military cooperation between the two states has drastically tightened, including ammunition supplies and the dispatch of thousands of soldiers to the Ukrainian front.According to data provided by South Korea's National Intelligence Service, the casualty count among North Korean contingents is steadily rising. It is estimated that out of nearly 12,000 soldiers sent, as many as 2,000 have been killed or seriously wounded. However, official state media in Pyongyang avoid directly indicating Ukraine as the place of their death, using the euphemism "foreign military missions". Experts point out that the new housing investment aims to quell social unrest caused by the return of coffins to the country and to build loyalty among the military elite. 2,000 — North Korean soldiers may have been killed in the war In exchange for personnel and equipment support, the regime of Kim Jong Un receives from Moscow not only financial aid but also missile technology, energy resources, and food. The ceremonial handing over of keys to the apartments for the families of the fallen soldiers took place as part of a state ceremony, intended to convince citizens that their loved ones' sacrifice was not in vain. Rodong Sinmun published photos of the leader visiting the new interiors and speaking with the relatives of the fallen, constituting a carefully staged act of success propaganda.

Mentioned People

  • Kim Jong Un — The leader of North Korea, who personally inaugurated the housing complex for the families of fallen military personnel.
  • Kim Ju Ae — The daughter of Kim Jong Un, who accompanied him during the ceremonial opening of the residential district.