North Korean leader Kim Jong Un officially launched a new housing project in Pyongyang as a reward for families of soldiers who sacrificed their lives fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. South Korean intelligence estimates that over 6,000 soldiers have died.
The North Korean government announced the completion of a new residential district in Pyongyang to be given to families of North Korean soldiers who died fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. This is the latest effort by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un to honor and recognize those who sacrificed their lives in the war.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published still images from a ceremony held last Sunday (15 Feb), showing Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, jointly cutting a ribbon to inaugurate the project. They were seen embracing citizens and personally handing over housing ownership documents. The images also show a woman bowing respectfully to Kim as she received the documents. However, these images have not been independently verified, which is typical as North Korean state media often reports events several hours after they occur.
The project’s launch coincided with 16 February, the 84th birthday anniversary of the late former leader Kim Jong Il, father of Kim Jong Un, a significant day regularly celebrated in North Korea.
In recent months, Kim Jong Un has sent thousands of soldiers along with substantial military equipment—including artillery and missiles—to support President Vladimir Putin in the invasion of Ukraine.
Last week, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to parliament that approximately 6,000 North Korean soldiers are estimated to have been killed or wounded during this conflict. While exact death tolls remain unclear, the NIS believed around 600 soldiers had died as of last year.
The new housing project is located on Sae-Pyol Street in a suburban district outside central Pyongyang. Traditionally in North Korea, awarding residences in specific locations is a mark of honor for citizens the government seeks to specially reward. Additionally, the government has intensified propaganda glorifying soldiers who fought in Russia, including constructing new memorial walls and museums.
This project’s inauguration is a significant development ahead of the historic Workers' Party of Korea meeting scheduled for later this month, although the exact date has not yet been announced.