"Let’s Become Heroes Like Those Who Died in Russia" Kim Jong-un Regime Drives Young People to War Through Propaganda

◆ High School Graduates Sent to Visit Families of the Fallen

In North Korea, the spring conscription drive — known as chomo (초모) — began in late March, involving the recruitment of new soldiers and processing of enlistment.

In a front-page article dated April 13, the Rodong Sinmun reported extensively that high school graduates who have volunteered for military service are visiting the families of fallen soldiers now living in Saeppyol Street on a daily basis.

"Graduates of Rakwon Senior Middle School in Potonggang District, which has produced many combat veterans, who have ardently petitioned to enlist in the Korean People's Army, have made their way to Saeppyol Street, where the families of combat veterans including Republic Hero Ryu Dae-guk have made their homes. Visiting the homes of the fallen, they sang songs the martyrs had loved in their school days together with the bereaved families, and pledged with burning resolve to become true sons remembered by their homeland."

"Those who visited the homes of the fallen expressed before the bereaved families their single-minded determination to live lives always worthy in their presence — cherishing in their hearts all that is precious in this beloved land — and to become the pride of their parents, teachers, and alma mater, just as the fallen who fought bravely did."

"To the high school graduates who came to Saeppyol Street time and again, the bereaved families of the fallen earnestly entreated them to illuminate every day of their military service with distinguished merit."

◆ Applications to Special Forces Rising: "I Will Become a True Hero"

This is likely the effect of such propaganda. A reporting partner said that the number of young people this year expressing a desire to join special forces units — saying they will "become true heroes" — has increased noticeably, and that schools have been holding grand send-off ceremonies to mark enlistments.

"Until now, recruits would put on their uniforms issued by the military mobilization bureau and depart for their assigned posts within a day or two. This year, they're being allowed to return to their hometowns once more for a grand farewell ceremony at their school. They're being given bouquets with calls to 'come back a hero,' and as they pass through the school gate, people line up to see them off."

At the same time, rumors are spreading within North Korea that enormous numbers of soldiers have been killed on the Russian front, and the reporting partner said that the number of parents steering their sons toward construction specialist units — to avoid being sent to the front — is also on the rise.

Another reporting partner described the state of society during this enlistment season:
"You often see mothers walking in tears, holding the hand of a son whose head has been shaved for enlistment. The kids don't really understand what's happening, so they're excited about it — but who knows what will become of them. There are people who feel relieved when they hear rumors that the war has ended with Russia's victory. But when it comes to other rumors, even though the authorities call them false, people think there's no smoke without fire."

◆ A Mother Driven to Mental Illness by the Death of Her Son

The following case was reported to have occurred in Kilju County.

"A mother who lost her only son on the Russian front developed a mental illness and, apparently because she saw a resemblance to her son, would follow around young men of similar build whenever she spotted them. The state said it would provide treatment and sent her to a psychiatric hospital.

The father of that family is said to have given up on life, spending every day drinking and not going to work. I can't help but wonder whether the plan to relocate all families of the fallen to Pyongyang is part of an effort to keep problems like this from becoming visible. Stories like this keep spreading, and there is no end to the parents who are left anxious."