Kim Jong-un Kneels and Bows to Honor North Korean Soldiers Killed Abroad

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un honored the country's fallen and wounded soldiers, including those who fought for Russia, at a ceremony honoring soldiers serving overseas, state media KCNA reported Friday.

In his speech, Kim said, "The combat activities of the overseas operation troops have proved without regret the heroic might of the (North Korean) army," saying "the liberation of Kursk" demonstrated "the heroes' fighting spirit," KCNA reported, citing Reuters on August 22.

Leader Kim laid flowers at a memorial wall for soldiers who died overseas. A concert was held for soldiers returning from Russia, as well as a banquet attended by bereaved family members, KCNA said.

In photos shared by KCNA, Leader Kim is seen kneeling to place a token of appreciation on a nameplate beneath a photo of a North Korean soldier on the memorial wall.

In another photo, Leader Kim is seen bowing in respect to the children and families of deceased North Korean soldiers. Another photo shows a deeply moved Leader Kim kneeling to embrace the children of deceased Korean soldiers, while the families watch, unable to hold back tears.

In another photo, Leader Kim is seen saluting and warmly embracing soldiers returning from overseas missions, presenting them with awards.

These gestures are the latest public tributes to North Korean soldiers fighting in Russia.

KCNA reported earlier on Thursday that Leader Kim met with foreign operations officers and paid tribute to North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine.

Around 600 North Korean soldiers have died fighting for Russia against Ukraine out of a total deployment of 15,000 troops, South Korean lawmakers said in April, citing the country's intelligence agency.