North Korea Reveals Ceremony for Returning Remains of Deceased Soldiers Deployed to Russia

On June 30, 2025, North Korea broadcasted a segment believed to depict the return of remains of soldiers who were deployed to Russia. The footage aired on 조선중앙TV (Korean Central Television) coincided with the first anniversary of the signing of the 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty' between North Korea and Russia. During a performance held at the 동평양대극장 (East Pyongyang Grand Theatre) on June 29, a backdrop featured images of Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, appearing to cover a coffin with a North Korean flag.

The images showed Kim with a somber expression, alongside Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, as they placed the flag over the coffin and rested their hands on it. The broadcast also included photographs of North Korean soldiers with Russian troops and a blood-stained notebook that seemed to have been written on the battlefield in Kursk, suggesting a ceremony for the return of the remains of North Korean soldiers.

The notebook contained a message stating, 'Comrades in arms, the moment of decision has finally arrived. With the love and trust bestowed by our beloved Supreme Commander, we will bravely engage in the sacred struggle...'

Previously, North Korean media had not mentioned the return of remains. Observations of attendees at the ceremony wearing winter clothing suggest that the remains may have been returned since last winter. The broadcast also featured emotional moments, including Olga Lyubimova, the Russian Minister of Culture, and audience members wiping away tears during the performance.

This display indicates that Kim Jong-un is personally overseeing the honors for the deceased soldiers, leading to speculation that North Korea may soon hold formal memorial events for the fallen soldiers.