North Korean leader Kim Jong Un demanded officials root out “evil” and condemned their “lazy, irresponsible attitudes” during a major military meeting, state media reported Friday. He simultaneously praised Pyongyang’s troops battling alongside Russia in Ukraine despite heavy casualties.
Kim declared his soldiers “demonstrated the prestige of our army as genuine protectors of international justice” to the Korean Central News Agency. South Korean estimates indicate over 600 North Korean fighters have died supporting Moscow’s invasion so far, with analysts confirming that Pyongyang receives Russian military technology, energy, and food shipments in exchange for this deployment. Researcher Ahn Chan-il noted Kim’s remarks signal continued commitment to the alliance.
Domestic Crackdown Intensifies
Wrapping up the three-day ruling party central committee session, Kim attacked officials’ “wrong ideological viewpoints” without providing specifics. State media cited widespread “deviations” in discipline, a clear reference to systemic corruption plaguing the regime, urging cadres to show “greater courage for our struggle’s future” ahead of a rare party congress expected in early 2025.
Notably, Kim ignored recent peace overtures from South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung, who apologized for border provocations by his predecessor. Friday’s report also omitted any mention of the United States despite Donald Trump’s past summit hopes, as analysts believe Kim now feels emboldened by Moscow ties and sees little value in engaging Washington. This stance follows North Korea’s Tuesday artillery drills simulating strikes on the South.
Critically, Kim framed these moves as essential for “modernizing defenses” amid global upheaval, with his dual focus on internal purges and foreign military ventures revealing a regime doubling down on confrontation while tightening domestic control. This strategy prioritizes survival through alliances over reconciliation with adversaries.
