On Monday, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, personally oversaw the production of statues destined for a memorial honoring troops deployed to Russia, emphasizing the heroism of North Korean forces.
The following day, Rodong Sinmun, the party’s official newspaper, reported that Kim had visited the Mansudae Art Studio onJanaury 25 to guide the creation of sculptures for the Overseas Military Operations Combat Achievement Memorial. Defense Minister No Kwang Chol accompanied him during this visit.
After inspecting the symbolic tower, sub-theme statues, and decorative wall panels, Kim expressed satisfaction, stating that these elements showcase the collective heroism of the entire military.
He remarked that the military has proven the immutable principle that those with strong mental fortitude will triumph in every battle. Moving forward, we must ensure that each statue is crafted with meticulous perfection so that anyone visiting the memorial can grasp the principle of certain victory.
The newspaper also detailed Kim’s specific instructions, including how to vividly symbolize noble camaraderie and fervent patriotism in the statues, ensuring aesthetic refinement in their arrangement, and harmonizing the sculptural forms with the architectural structures.
Photos released by the newspaper show the statues in production depicting fully armed soldiers or troops in combat scenarios, with the figures designed to be two to three times larger than life-size.
Kim’s public engagement in this project, from design to installation, appears aimed at highlighting the heroism of deployed troops and promoting the achievements of North Korea’s military deployments.
On January 5, Kim had also visited the memorial’s construction site with his daughter Ju Ae, personally operating a forklift to plant trees, demonstrating his hands-on commitment to the project.
Previously, during a national award ceremony for deployed soldiers last August, Kim announced plans to create a New Star Street for the families of the fallen in Pyongyang’s Daesong District. He broke ground for the memorial on October 23 of the same year, symbolically taking the first shovel.
In his first public appearance this year on January 1, Kim met with families of commanders from overseas operational units, showcasing his special attention to the welfare of deployed personnel.