North Korea has opened a housing district in the capital of Pyongyang for the families of soldiers killed while fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine.
According to combined media reports, Kim Jong-un was front and center at the opening, cutting a red ribbon and visiting the homes of some of the families now living in the new homes. Kim stated the new district, which is called Saeppyol Street, was created in tribute to the “spirit and sacrifice” of the slain troops, adding the homes enabled their families to “take pride in their sons and husbands and live happily.”
North Korea has sent approximately about 14,000 soldiers to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine since 2024. Western and South Korean sources estimate more than 6,000 North Koreans have been killed in the conflict.
“Before their death, the heroic martyrs must have pictured in their mind’s eye their dear families living in the ever-prospering country,” Kim stated.
The new district was unveiled ahead of North Korea’s party congress, the nation’s biggest political event. But for observers of North Korea, the most striking aspect of the district’s inauguration was the presence of Kim’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju-ae, who is widely seen as his potential successor as the nation’s leader.
Photo of Kim Jong-un and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, opening the new housing district; photo via the state-owned Korea Central News Agency
