North Korea is highlighting its treatment of heroes by newly interring the remains of war veterans ahead of Victory Day (July 27, the anniversary of Armistice Agreement Day)
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea, reported on Monday under the headline, The Noble Lives of Heroic Warriors Shining on the Hill of Eternal Life, that the remains of Kim Gi-woo, a double hero of the Republic, and Republic heroes Ri Yong-jae and Ri Dong-kyu have been interred at the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs’ Cemetery to mark the 72nd anniversary of the victory.
Kim served as an aircraft hunter during the all-out decisive battle against U.S. forces, reportedly shooting down over ten enemy aircraft before falling in combat at the young age of 18. Ri Yong-jae, drawing from his anti-aircraft combat experience and innovative enemy aircraft hunting methods, shot down six enemy planes. Ri Dong-kyu was introduced as a heroic war correspondent and writer who instilled a belief in victory.
These individuals were soldiers and war correspondents who perished during the Korean War. Their remains have now been interred at North Korea’s equivalent of Arlington National Cemetery, the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Martyrs’ Cemetery, in anticipation of this year’s Victory Day celebrations.
The newspaper suggested that this action was carried out under the guidance of Kim Jong Un, stating that the respected Comrade Kim, with his ardent revolutionary comradeship and noble sense of moral duty, has honorably enshrined the heroic warriors who sacrificed everything for victory on the Hill of Eternal Life.
The report added that the families of the deceased were urged to carry on the spirit of the victorious generation that brought immortal glory and fame to the Republic and to strive more boldly, substantially, and intensely in the grand struggle to thoroughly implement the decisions of the Party Central Committee plenums.
North Korea’s renewed focus on the achievements of these war heroes appears to be part of their ongoing Anti-U.S. Joint Struggle Month campaign, which runs from June 25 until the Armistice Agreement Day anniversary. However, some analysts suggest this may also be a message to the families of North Korean soldiers who reportedly suffered heavy casualties after being deployed to the Ukraine conflict last year, indicating a commitment to provide special treatment to the bereaved and wounded veterans.
Previously, on June 30, North Korea publicly released footage for the first time showing General Secretary Kim solemnly receiving the remains of deceased soldiers from among the troops deployed abroad. Additionally, in an April statement from the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, it was announced that to honor the valor of our proud sons, a combat merit monument will soon be erected in their capital.
