Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of North Korea’s Workers’ Party, accompanied by his daughter Ju Ae, attended the opening ceremony of Saebyul Street, a housing complex for families of soldiers deployed to Ukraine and those who fell in the conflict.
The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on February 16 that the Saebyul Street inauguration was held with great fanfare on February 15, with Comrade Kim in attendance. The event was also attended by Ju Ae, commanders of overseas operational units, combat troops, engineering units, Defense Ministry officials, and service members from various People’s Army units.
In his address, Kim stated that this new street, built to honor the noble lives of the valiant sons who sacrificed everything to protect what’s most sacred, now stands ready to welcome its esteemed residents. It has been eager to hasten this day, hoping it might offer some solace. Yet, standing here now, he finds himself overwhelmed with a sense of humility rather than joy.
He continued that once again, he extends his deepest respect to the heroic veterans. To all the bereaved families, the new residents of this street, he conveys heartfelt condolences and gratitude on behalf of the military personnel, the citizens of Pyongyang, and the entire nation.
Kim further remarked that this moment embodies the strength of Korea and symbolizes the greatness of the people. It marks a historic chapter in Pyongyang’s annals, commemorating the most heroic era that defended the sacred dignity and honor. With the completion of this street, the fallen heroes are now closer to the warmth of their families and the homes they longed for from distant lands.
The leader added that the comrades who fought alongside our fallen heroes, the military families who sent their loved ones to defend the nation, and indeed all citizens of the country will rejoice in today’s inauguration. It sincerely hopes that the new residents of Saebyul Street will lead fulfilling lives, carrying forward the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Kim emphasized that the Party and government are committed to implementing comprehensive measures to ensure that the families of our fallen heroes, who sacrificed for a more prosperous homeland, can enjoy a life of pride and fulfillment, supported by national recognition and societal care.
During the ceremony, Kim presented housing permits issued by the Party’s Central Committee to the families of the fallen. The attendees toured the memorial site, met with families moving into the new homes, and inspected the interiors of the new residences.
The newspaper reported that Kim instructed party and government officials to treat the preferential care for veterans’ families as a critical policy issue, ensuring its thorough implementation and constant attention to their well-being to prevent even minor inconveniences.
Previously, during a national commendation ceremony for deployed troops in August last year, Kim had announced plans to develop Saebyul Street for the families of the fallen in Pyongyang’s Daesung District. In October, he also revealed plans for constructing the Overseas Military Operations Combat Achievement Memorial Hall to honor troops deployed to Russia.
On January 29, authorities finalized the Saebyul Street layout and reorganized the administrative districts to include seven new neighborhoods, including Saebyul-dong and Songam-dong. The Supreme People’s Assembly Standing Committee designated Saebyul Street to extend from Victory Bridge through Daesung Mountain Intersection to the Hamgyong River Rotary, establishing new neighborhoods in Pyongyang’s Hwaseong District.
On January 25, Kim visited the Mansudae Art Studio to oversee the production of sculptures for the memorial hall on Saebyul Street. He inspected the construction site with Ju Ae on January 5. On January 13, he accompanied military commanders to the site, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the heroism of deployed troops.
Analysts interpret Kim’s recent public engagements related to deployed forces as efforts to create a commemorative atmosphere ahead of the 9th Party Congress, to demonstrate care for the families of the fallen, and to promote the achievements of the deployed troops. The upcoming congress is expected to showcase significant military and economic accomplishments related to overseas deployments.