Following the publication of photographs showing a tearful Kim Jong Un clutching coffins containing the remains of North Korean soldiers who died in Russia, the regime plans to turn the fallen soldiers into heroes for domestic propaganda.
A source in North Korea told Daily NK recently that North Korea brought back the remains of soldiers killed in battle on three occasions between January and April of this year.
The repatriated remains—some intact, some cremated—are being temporarily stored at an area outside Pyongyang that is supposed to become a “martyrs’ cemetery.”
North Korea plans to hold a burial ceremony around July 27, the day the armistice was signed ending the Korean War (celebrated as Victory Day in the North).
Connecting the burial of soldiers who died during deployment with Victory Day appears designed to portray the deceased as “glorious victors.” In short, the ceremony is supposed to underscore the legitimacy of the “anti-imperial coalition” and help perpetuate the regime.
“The decision to hold the burial on Victory Day shows that it’s not merely a memorial, but reflects the party’s grand political ambitions. In this battle, our soldiers laid down their lives on the front lines of the anti-imperialist struggle. As such, the party clearly intends to elevate it to the ideological level of the Korean War,” the source said.
“This should be seen as a strategic move to elevate the soldiers who died in Russia’s war into ‘glorious victors’ while carrying on the historical significance of July 27, when we achieved our victory over the American imperialists,” the source continued.
As all this shows, North Korea is preparing to turn the deceased soldiers into heroes. The source said that images of Kim caressing coffins were published as part of this same propaganda strategy.
“The images of Kim Jong Un weeping while holding the coffins were intended to symbolize his deep love for the fallen soldiers and to remind the public of his tender feelings,” the source said.
Multi-layered propaganda campaign
North Korea intends to use these images in various ways, including for public propaganda.
Citizens’ ideological loyalty can be strengthened by emphasizing that the North Korean soldiers were killed by Ukrainian troops armed by the “American imperialists” in lectures designed to stir up anti-American sentiment. Those lectures can also help calm public discontent over news about North Korean troops dying during their deployment to Russia.
Another purpose is to highlight Kim’s image as a caring leader to inspire loyalty among the people.
Notably, North Korea will carry out a widespread propaganda campaign about the fallen soldiers leading up to Oct. 10, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea. During events celebrating that anniversary, the party plans to publicize meetings with the fallen soldiers’ bereaved family members and the various benefits they will receive, which include the title of “hero,” new houses and admission for their children into prestigious “revolutionary schools.”
However, the bereaved families will not receive cash compensation, and their benefits will depend on the combat achievements of the deceased soldiers.
Seriously wounded soldiers were brought back from the front along with the remains of the dead. Wounded soldiers are currently being treated at clinics and sanatoriums, away from the public eye. After their recovery, the regime plans to use them in propaganda and political activities, the source said.
“The government has plans for the wounded soldiers as a group—some will be made lecturers and others will be appointed as political guidance officers in the military. While they’re currently recovering at facilities away from society, they’ll eventually be relocated to predetermined locations as ordered by the government,” the source said.
