On March 15, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited Saebyul Street, a housing complex in Pyongyang built for families of soldiers who died during deployment in Ukraine. He emphasized the patriotism and heroism of the fallen troops.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that Kim planted trees at Saebyul Street Park on March 14 to mark Arbor Day. His daughter, Ju-ae, and several high-ranking party and government officials were also present.
Photos published in the newspaper showed Kim and Ju-ae actively participating in the event, using shovels to dig soil and move tree materials.
Kim stated that each tree we plant today represents the increasingly powerful nation and the noble spirit of the fallen heroes. It embodies the generation’s commitment to upholding the tradition of victory. He added that may the noble spirit of the martyrs take root in this soil, nurturing future generations to become the most righteous citizens of the nation.
The Supreme Leader referred to the veterans as heroes with indomitable spirit and ideological strength, emphasizing that patriotism is the wellspring of miraculous power that transcends limitations and drives creation and transformation.
By planting trees with his daughter at the Saebyul complex, which honors the sacrifices of deployed soldiers, Kim aims to instill the value of sacrifice in North Korean citizens and highlight patriotism for future generations.
Kim first announced plans to develop Saebyul Street for the families of deployed soldiers during a national commendation ceremony in August 2022. In October of the same year, he also reported the groundbreaking of the Overseas Military Operations Combat Merit Memorial Hall to commemorate soldiers deployed to Russia.
In January 2023, Kim finalized the layout of Saebyul Street and reorganized the administrative districts, creating seven new neighborhoods: Saebyul-dong, Songam-dong, Hwawon 3-dong, Geumneung 3-dong, Cheonggye 1-dong, Cheonggye 2-dong, and Cheonggye 3-dong. On March 15, Kim attended the completion ceremony and personally inspected the interiors of the finished residences.
North Korea’s extensive propaganda campaign for veterans’ families serves multiple purposes: creating a commemorative atmosphere for the fallen, supporting bereaved families, and politically promoting the achievements of deployed soldiers.
Furthermore, the regime aims to convey a message of tangible rewards for sacrifices made for the country, reflecting an intention to cultivate loyalty among bereaved families and maintain them as a dedicated class within North Korean society.