Kim Jong Un praises troops who ‘self-blasted’ to avoid capture by Ukraine

Kim Jong Un praises troops who self – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has highlighted the bravery of soldiers who chose to detonate grenades in their own bodies during battles in Ukraine, a strategy believed to prevent capture by enemy forces. This approach, which has long been suspected within the region, was affirmed during a recent address in Pyongyang, where Kim described such acts as “heroes” in the fight for national honor. State media outlet KCNA reported the event, which included a ceremony to honor fallen troops. Russian Defence Minister Andrey Belousov and Speaker of Russia’s parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, attended the gathering, underscoring the close alliance between the two nations.

Estimated casualties and battlefield strategy

South Korean officials estimate that over 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to support Russian operations in western Kursk. Of these, more than 6,000 are believed to have lost their lives, though both Pyongyang and Moscow have not officially confirmed these figures. Intelligence sources and defectors suggest that the soldiers were instructed to prioritize self-destruction over being captured by Ukrainian forces, a policy rooted in North Korea’s historical emphasis on loyalty and sacrifice.

“Their self-sacrifice expecting no compensation, and the devotion expecting no reward… This [is] the definition of the height of loyalty of our army,” Kim said in his Monday speech, as he unveiled a memorial for those who perished in the conflict.

The practice of voluntary grenade detonations reflects a cultural narrative in North Korea where capture is equated with treason. Soldiers are trained from an early age to view survival as a failure of duty, reinforcing the idea that death in battle is a noble sacrifice. This mindset has been further reinforced by recent evidence from South Korean intelligence, which uncovered memos from deceased North Korean troops hinting at the deliberate use of self-blasting tactics.

Prisoner accounts and intelligence reports

Earlier this year, a South Korean television network, MBC, broadcast a segment featuring two North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine. One of the captives, speaking on camera, revealed his regret over not following the example of his comrades. “Everyone else chose to self-blast, but I was not as resolute,” he recounted, indicating that the practice had already been in place before his capture.

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) also highlighted findings from last year, which included documents from fallen soldiers pointing to the systematic use of self-sacrificial detonations. These records, combined with testimonies from defectors, have provided a clearer picture of the policy’s implementation. The strategy appears to be part of a broader effort to maximize the impact of North Korean troops while minimizing the risk of enemy propaganda through captured personnel.

Strategic implications and regional alliances

The decision to deploy North Korean soldiers in Ukraine has raised questions about the strategic value of the operation. While the exact role of these troops remains unclear, their presence is seen as a demonstration of North Korea’s commitment to Russia’s war effort. This alliance, formalized in June 2024, includes a pledge to support each other in the event of “aggression” against either country. At the time, Kim described the agreement as the “strongest ever,” emphasizing the depth of the partnership.

Kim’s remarks during the memorial ceremony underscore the symbolic importance of the policy. By praising soldiers who “writhed in frustration at the failure to fulfill their duties as soldiers who were given orders,” he linked their actions to the broader ideological goals of the regime. The phrase “torn by bullets and shells” was used to describe the physical toll of combat, contrasting with the voluntary nature of the self-blasts. This duality highlights the tension between individual sacrifice and collective loyalty.

Historical context and cultural motivations

North Korea’s emphasis on self-sacrifice has historical roots, dating back to the Korean War and the ideological teachings of the Kim family. The concept of “self-blasting” is not new; it has been a recurring theme in military campaigns, particularly in situations where the threat of capture is perceived as greater than the value of survival. In the current conflict, this policy is believed to be a way to maintain control over the troops while ensuring their contribution to the war effort.

The Kursk region, a key area in Russia’s eastern front, has become a focal point for North Korean involvement. By sending thousands of workers alongside combatants