North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited the construction site of a memorial for troops deployed to Russia, intensifying his focus on military narratives. He also inspected commercial and service facilities in Pyongyang’s Hwasong district, highlighting achievements in improving citizens’ quality of life.
The Workers’ Party of Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Friday that Kim provided on-site guidance at the construction site of the Overseas Military Operation Combat Merit Memorial. Kim emphasized the memorial’s role as an educational center showcasing the military’s achievements, personally reviewing the exhibition layout and construction progress.
The memorial, which broke ground last October to honor North Korean troops deployed to Russia, has been a frequent stop for Kim. On January 5, he visited with his daughter, Ju Ae, and wife, Ri Sol-ju, operating a forklift to plant trees. On March 16, he toured various areas, including the heroes’ cemetery and captured weapons exhibit, addressing issues at the 93% completion stage. On January 25, he made a separate visit to the Mansudae Art Studio for the memorial statue’s creation.
During this latest inspection, Kim examined the finishing work, internal exhibits, and placement of sculptures and monuments. With the project now 97% complete, Kim announced plans for an April completion ceremony and interment of participating soldiers’ remains, coinciding with the first anniversary of Kursk’s liberation. The memorial has been approved as an organization under the Korean People’s Army General Political Bureau.
Kim and his daughter then toured the soon-to-open Phase 4 service facilities in the Hwasong district. The newspaper reported that the newly developed streets in the Hwasong area, built according to the Party’s capital construction plans, were bustling with activity.
Kim inspected various facilities, including an auto service center, pet shop, musical instrument store, and beauty salons. He stressed that these establishments must meet customers’ aesthetic needs and convenience, stating that such amenities are crucial for creating a culturally rich and civilized urban environment.
He ordered continuous improvements in services to meet the rising material and cultural demands of the people, issuing directives for the facilities’ opening.
The Hwasong district’s Phase 4 development is the final stage of the 50,000 Homes in Pyongyang plan announced at the 8th Party Congress in 2021. Construction began in February last year. On January 10, Kim visited the nearly completed Phase 4 site, emphasizing that upon completion of the 2026 construction plan, the Hwasong area would become the capital’s most developed region, serving as a model for national urban development.
On February 16, Kim and his daughter attended the completion ceremony for 10,000 housing units in Phase 4, cutting the ribbon. Two days later, he participated in the Phase 5 groundbreaking ceremony. This latest inspection of service facilities, following housing completion, demonstrates Kim’s personal oversight in transforming the Hwasong district into a comprehensive urban center beyond mere residential space.