Kim Jong-un pays rare tribute to N. Korean troops killed in Russia

North Korean state-run media has shared footage of its leader Kim Jong-un honoring the sacrifice of his soldiers who are believed to have been killed on the battlefield in Russia's war against Ukraine.

Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil reports.

In a rare public display, North Korean state media aired images of its troops deployed to Russia's Kursk region.

Marking the first anniversary of a new military pact with Moscow, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watched the performance in Pyongyang, sitting with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, as Russia's culture minister, Olga Lyubimova, sat at the table next to him.

Large screens showed photos of North Korean soldiers in combat, as well as images of Kim pausing before flag-draped coffins, scenes never before shown to the public.

After a Russian ensemble performed, North Korean artists offered songs apparently dedicated to fallen soldiers, and Kim stood during the tribute song.

State cameras captured audience members wiping away tears, as Kim was seen kneeling by the coffins, his hands resting on the flags covering them.

State media also revealed, for the first time, Kim's handwritten order authorizing the Kursk offensive.

Analysts say Pyongyang is using the ceremony to honor the fallen, rally public support, and reinforce its growing alliance with Moscow.

Officials in Seoul believe the display may also be intended to sustain morale ahead of possible additional deployments, and to remind Russia that these sacrifices come with the expectation of compensation.

Observers also noted the deliberate staging of Kim's daughter, who has appeared more frequently at Russia-related events since she visited the Russian Embassy in May, as part of efforts to present her as a potential successor.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.