South Korea’s Ministry of Unification says it is “difficult to confirm” if all the soldiers who were killed have been memorialised on the walls.
However, researcher Kim believes it is highly likely that the names of all North Korean troops who died in Kursk have been inscribed.
“The memorial is intended to reward those who have sacrificed for the state and maintain public support,” he says. “Omitting names could risk discontent among bereaved families and undermine its purpose.”
North Korean state media also reported a housing complex had been built for Russian war veterans and bereaved families within the same district. Residents have started moving in since March.
Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the state-run Korea Institute for National Unification, says Pyongyang’s decision to build a monument dedicated to the killed troops reflects an effort to justify the deployment following large casualties.
“For North Korea, Russia is the only country it can co-operate militarily with in its current state of isolation,” he says.
The memorial also signifies Pyongyang’s willingness to continue military cooperation with Russia “regardless of how the war unfolds”.
Graphics by Arvin Supriyadi. Additional reporting by Grace Tsoi
