North Korea condolence visits intensified during the Chuseok harvest festival, as party officials delivered packages to families of soldiers killed in Russia’s war. Authorities sought to emphasize the regime’s care for the families and reinforce loyalty to Kim Jong Un. Officials from provincial committees personally visited homes, bearing packages that included cooking oil, sugar, and fruit.
During the visits, officials stressed unity under Kim’s leadership, repeatedly telling families, “We are all one family within the love of Kim Jong Un.” They also encouraged family members to seek support from the party if needed. These North Korea condolence visits focus as much on symbolic gestures as on material assistance, aiming to burnish the leader’s image.
Sources noted that families were initially shocked by the surprise visits but soon showed emotion, often holding the officials’ hands while expressing grief. Although recipients appreciated the practical gifts, they valued personal attention more. The visits send a clear message that the party acknowledges sacrifices and honors soldiers who died abroad.
Moreover, North Korea uses propaganda, lectures, and media to highlight soldiers’ loyalty and service in the war. The regime frames combat deaths as acts of devotion to the state and loyalty to Kim, portraying the party as ever-caring for both soldiers and their families. Authorities also organize study sessions and public ceremonies to reinforce these messages nationwide.
Some North Koreans, however, perceive the visits differently. They argue the government bears responsibility for sending soldiers overseas without their consent. Many families struggle to accept the losses despite the regime’s gestures. Critics claim that personal sympathy cannot replace the suffering caused by forced deployment.
Nonetheless, the North Korean government continues to schedule North Korea condolence visits as a political tool. These efforts aim to maintain social cohesion and strengthen loyalty to the regime. Observers say the strategy links state propaganda with ritualized support, ensuring citizens associate personal sacrifice with devotion to Kim.
Ultimately, North Korea’s condolence visits illustrate the regime’s focus on projecting care for military families while reinforcing authority. The personal interactions, gifts, and public messaging work together to shape loyalty and control public perception of overseas military campaigns.
