Ukrainian Forces Publish Letter from Fallen North Korean Soldier
A hand-written letter discovered on a deceased North Korean soldier revealed personal insights into the lives of soldiers deployed to Ukraine for Russia. The soldier, Jong Gyung-hong, wrote a birthday message to his comrade, expressing longing for home. Ukraine’s military conveyed the harrowing reality faced by North Korean troops, who have suffered significant casualties in the ongoing conflict.
A Ukrainian special forces unit publicly shared a hand-written letter reportedly found on the body of a North Korean soldier who was killed while fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine. This letter, which appears to be a birthday message for a comrade, expresses longing for family and home, referring to North Korea as “beloved Korea.” The soldier, identified as Jong Gyung-hong, wrote to his companion, Song Ji-myung, wishing him the happiest birthday and good health despite being far from their homeland. The note underscores the dire and tragic circumstances faced by North Korean soldiers deployed in the ongoing conflict.
The contents of the letter were disseminated via Telegram by Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF), who also delivered a stark admonition to the North Korean servicemen. They remarked, “When you want to wish your friend a happy birthday, but instead of a party, you’re holding an AK in a trench far from home — and the candles are replaced with 5.56mm Ukrainian rounds.” Ukraine’s leadership has reported that North Korean forces have incurred significant losses, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosing that over 3,000 casualties have been recorded among North Korean troops. U.S. intelligence further estimates that around 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to the Kursk area in Russia underscoring the ongoing complexity of the situation.
The context surrounding this letter lies within the current conflict involving Russia and Ukraine, wherein North Korean soldiers have been sent to aid Russian military efforts. The involvement of North Korea in this conflict is significant due to the historical ties and ongoing diplomatic dynamics between the countries. The deployment of North Korean troops has raised concerns, given the human costs of war, particularly in light of the reported casualties these soldiers have faced while engaged in combat far from their home country.
This poignant letter found on a fallen North Korean soldier highlights both the personal tragedies and the broader implications of international conflicts. It illustrates the emotional toll on soldiers who are fighting in foreign lands, while also shedding light on the substantial casualties experienced by North Korean forces. As the conflict continues, the narrative of these soldiers reflects the profound consequences of war that extend beyond mere statistics.
Original Source: english.hani.co.kr
