North Korea’s glorification of troops who fought in Ukraine by bestowing upon them the title of Heroes of the Republic could potentially undermine its efforts to operate as a normal state within the international arena, according to a recent analysis.
In a report titled, North Korea’s Strategy of Glorifying Russian Combatants, published on Wednesday, Lim Soo-jin, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy, argued that excessive propaganda about these soldiers reinforces North Korea’s image as a military mobilization regime on the global stage.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, during the 13th Supreme People’s Assembly of the 14th term held on September 20 and 21, lauded the dedication of the Russian combatants and pledged comprehensive social security for them and their families. Earlier, North Korea held a state commendation ceremony for these soldiers, conferring upon them the title of Heroes of the Republic.
Researcher Lim suggests that this hero-making campaign is designed to bolster internal unity while alleviating various social anxieties. He observed that the current intensification of propaganda surrounding Russian combatants in North Korea can be interpreted as a reproduction of the nation’s war memories, aimed at reinforcing traditional communal bonds.
Lim further explained that another motive behind North Korea’s emphasis on honoring these soldiers is to preemptively quell potential dissent among citizens regarding overseas military deployments. By treating fallen soldiers and veterans with the utmost respect, the regime aims to cultivate a positive perception of the Russian deployment among the populace, thereby minimizing the potential for unrest.
Moreover, this approach appears intended to send a powerful message to citizens that the state will undoubtedly compensate for sacrifices, further reinforcing national identity.
From an external perspective, this could be a means to showcase the close alliance between North Korea and Russia. However, Lim cautioned that it might have a detrimental effect on North Korea’s attempts to portray itself as a peaceful nation.
Lim emphasized that for North Korea to function as a normal state within the international community, it must shed its image as a military mobilization regime and rebuild its reputation as a peaceful actor capable of multilateral cooperation and communication.