＜Inside N. Korea＞ Soldiers Returned from Russia Deployed on Tour to Promote "Military Spirit" and "Heroism" (1) "They Fought So Bravely Even the Russians Were Envious"

The Kim Jong-un regime is using soldiers who were deployed to Russia — which continues its war against Ukraine — and have since returned home, sending them on tours of military units and schools across the country to promote hero narratives and pro-military education. Vivid footage filmed in Russia is also being used. Based on information conveyed in mid-March by multiple reporting partners living in northern regions of North Korea, this story is being published in two parts. Part 1 covers how combat veterans are being sent to military units to instill fighting spirit. (JIRO Ishimaru / KANG Ji-won)

'Russian deployment heroes’ stained with youth's blood (1) Creating a ‘new hero’ myth through propaganda

◆ Combat Veterans Tour Units Giving Lectures

Reporting Partner A, who lives in a northern region, met a platoon leader stationed at a nearby military unit in mid-March and heard the following account. The non-commissioned officer spoke proudly of a visiting combat veteran who had come to give a lecture.

—— How many combat veterans came to the unit?

According to the platoon leader, one officer and between two and five soldiers who actually fought in Russia have recently been touring units across the country, giving talks about their combat experience there. He also said that since late last year, his unit has been receiving films documenting combat operations and military activities in Russia.

—— What did the combat soldiers talk about in their lectures?

Regarding their battlefield experience, they said: "Our soldiers have the fighting spirit and backbone of true soldiers — they fought so bravely that even the Russians were envious. They emphasized the spirit of 'dying for the gun and bomb' and 'throwing your body into battle.'"

They also stressed that soldiers "must properly understand and learn from modern warfare." According to the platoon leader, the way military training is conducted has changed significantly since the start of winter training exercises.

※ The North Korean military conducts regular winter training exercises each year from December through March.

◆ Watching Footage Filmed on Location in Russia

—— What kind of footage was distributed to the unit?

The footage apparently resembled a movie — full of tension and dramatic scenes — and soldiers reportedly watched it with great emotion. It was likely well-produced for propaganda purposes. The reporting partner asked to see it, but was told that was impossible since the footage is restricted to internal military use and tightly controlled to prevent it from leaking to the public. Copies cannot be made, and viewing is permitted only within military units. The platoon leader added that soldiers were required to write a reflection after watching.