Kim Jong Un glorifies North Korean soldiers in Ukraine while condemning internal corruption, framing Pyongyang as a defender of “international justice”
The North Korean soldiers in Ukraine narrative has taken centre stage in Kim Jong Un’s latest political performance, as the leader praised his troops for fighting alongside Russian forces against Kyiv. Speaking at a Workers’ Party meeting, Kim claimed that these soldiers had “shown the world the prestige of our army and our State”, portraying North Korea as a “true defender of international justice”. South Korean intelligence estimates that around 600 North Korean fighters have been killed and several thousand wounded since joining Russia’s war effort.
During the same meeting, Kim abruptly shifted tone, launching an attack on senior officials for what he called “bad practices” and “ideological errors”. The remarks, carried by state agency KCNA, hinted at corruption and growing frustration over internal discipline. He urged officials to show greater conviction and “courage” in safeguarding “the future of our cause”, signalling that the leadership sees recent misconduct as a direct threat to internal stability.
According to the party’s statements, these “deviations” must be corrected, although the state media offered no details. The North Korean soldiers in Ukraine theme therefore returns as both propaganda and distraction, used by Kim to glorify sacrifice abroad while tightening control at home.
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