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Kim Jong-un Sheds a Tear Before Coffin of North Korean Soldier Killed in Russia
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North Korean state media on June 30 released footage of leader Kim Jong-un kneeling and appearing emotional in front of a coffin draped in the North Korean flag, believed to contain the body of a soldier killed while deployed to Russia.
The video aired alongside images of Kim approving military plans for Russia’s Kursk region, a move likely intended to bolster domestic backing for North Korea’s planned troop deployments later this year.
According to Korea Central Television and reported by Korea JoongAng Daily, Kim attended a Sunday performance marking the first anniversary of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty signed between North Korea and Russia. The event coincided with a visit by a Russian cultural delegation led by Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova, and included appearances by Kim’s daughter Ju-ae and senior North Korean and Russian officials.
The performance featured a large screen showing images related to North Korea’s dispatch of troops to Russia, including scenes of Kim kneeling at a flag-draped coffin and placing his hands on it. Also present was Kim Yo-jong, a top official in the ruling Workers’ Party and the leader’s sister.
Notably, only four or five coffins were shown, despite reports that more than 6,000 North Korean troops have been killed on the Kursk front. The small number has led observers to view the ceremony as largely symbolic, aimed at managing growing public unease over mounting casualties.
For the first time, state media also aired footage of Kim purportedly signing off on a so-called “Liberation Operation Plan for Kursk.” According to the broadcast, Kim approved the plan on three occasions: October 22, December 12, and December 22 of last year. Additional reports claimed he had issued offensive orders to special operations units.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, a close ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, visited North Korea twice in June and confirmed on June 17 that Pyongyang had agreed to send 1,000 combat engineers for mine-clearing operations and 5,000 military construction personnel to the Kursk region.
Previously, it was reported that Russia may be preparing to launch a major new offensive against Ukraine this summer, with possible support from North Korean troops, according to Sky News, citing South Korean intelligence.
