North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited the construction site of a memorial honoring North Korean soldiers who participated in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing their heroism in overseas operations.
According to the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper, Kim personally inspected the Overseas Military Operation Combat Achievement Memorial on February 13. He was accompanied by senior party official Jo Chang-il and commanders of military units involved in the construction.
The report stated that Kim thoroughly examined the memorial’s progress, including construction status, sculpture creation, and installation details.
Kim praised the exterior decorative panels, noting they effectively captured the memorial’s themes. He stressed that the courage and heroism displayed by North Korean troops in foreign military operations should be prominently recorded in history as a symbol of victory.
The leader described the memorial as more than just a building, calling it a profound tribute to the sacred spirits of heroic warriors who will be remembered by the party, country, and people for generations. He added that it serves as a platform honoring their sacrifices with dignity and respect.
Kim emphasized the importance of perfecting every detail, both artistically and ideologically, and outlined methods for revisions.
He urged the soldiers, designers, and artists involved in the project to embody the deep respect of the party and people, challenging them to create a “sacred hall” that will stand as an enduring symbol of the fallen heroes’ achievements and legacy.
Kim’s hands-on approach to the memorial’s development, including close attention to exterior decorations and sculptures, appears aimed at glorifying the deployed soldiers and promoting their mission’s significance.
Last month, Kim visited the Mansudae Art Studio to oversee the production of statues for the memorial. Earlier, he toured the construction site with his daughter Ju-ae, even operating a forklift to plant trees, demonstrating his personal investment in the project.
During a national commendation ceremony for deployed soldiers last August, Kim announced plans for a New Star Street development in Pyongyang’s Daesong District to house soldiers’ families. He personally broke ground for the memorial on October 23.
In his first public appearance of the year on January 1, Kim met with families of overseas operation unit commanders, further emphasizing his support for troops involved in foreign missions.