North Korea has launched a major propaganda campaign, claiming that families of soldiers deployed to Russia are receiving the love of the Workers’ Party. However, critics argue it’s inappropriate to showcase bereaved families smiling as they receive gifts from the party after losing loved ones on the battlefield.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published an article on March 20 highlighting families of overseas military operation martyrs who have been relocated to Saebyul Street, Pyongyang’s new town, as part of a party initiative. The report was filled with accounts of fallen soldiers’ families expressing gratitude for the party’s generosity, all with seemingly cheerful expressions.
The article quotes mothers who lost sons saying things like, My son was truly raised by the party, not me, and expressing joy over receiving new homes. Bereaved families emphasized their contentment with their new lives and pledged loyalty to the party and state. The narrative focused more on gratitude for compensation and benevolence rather than grief over lost family members.
The report repeatedly emphasizes how Kim Jong Un, the Workers’ Party General Secretary, personally initiated the housing project and took special care of the bereaved families. All measures, including housing provision, event invitations, and commemorative photo sessions, are portrayed as personal favors from the supreme leader, highlighting a patronizing image rather than just compensation for families of the fallen.
Notably, this report frames relocation to Pyongyang as a key reward. By showcasing families moving from provinces to the capital to start new lives, it sends a message that loyalty and sacrifice to the regime lead to social advancement.
This reporting exemplifies classic North Korean propaganda tactics. It transforms personal tragedy into narratives of collective glory and loyalty, even recasting emotional expressions as joy and gratitude. The article repeatedly describes bereaved families as crying and laughing with happiness.
The latter part of the report features students pledging military service, inspired by the fallen soldiers. This suggests an attempt to not only honor sacrifices but also to encourage further loyalty and mobilization.
Analysts note that despite North Korea’s efforts to promote economic development and improve its international image, its propaganda methods still prioritize regime over individual interests. This highlights a significant disconnect between North Korea’s approach and international norms, particularly in how the regime glorifies wartime sacrifices and uses them to reinforce its authority.