North Korean Military Insignia Gains Popularity at Kyiv Market
A street market in Kyiv features vendors selling North Korean military insignia, which are sourced from the war-torn region of Kursk. Vendor A highlights the rarity, high demand, and potential authenticity of these patches, with prices significantly higher than Ukrainian military items. Despite unverified claims, the patches are perceived as war trophies, symbolizing ongoing conflict and resilience.
In a notable stall at a street market near St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv, vendors offered military memorabilia, among which colorful North Korean military insignia gained significant attention. These unique patches are reportedly sourced from Kursk, a site of intense conflict amid the ongoing war. A vendor identified as “A” inquired with an Asian visitor, highlighting the intrigue and scarcity of these items.
According to Vendor A, the patches, originally worn by North Korean soldiers in Kursk during their deployment in late 2024, are acquired through brokers in the area. He noted the rarity of such items, stating, “I get only two or three patches a week,” and mentioning that he had sold approximately 15 total, despite their steep price of 2,000 hryvnias (around $52).
The high price is attributed to their claimed authenticity, as Vendor A explained that unlike mass-produced Ukrainian patches, these are said to have been worn by soldiers. “That’s why they’re so expensive, but they sell out instantly,” he remarked. Due to their intrigue, including the cultural mystery surrounding North Korea, there is a substantial demand for the patches.
Although the North Korean patches were out of stock during this visit, Vendor A offered to take pre-orders for upcoming shipments. In addition to the patches, he showcased a flag purportedly carried by North Korean troops, priced at 4,000 hryvnias, which featured elements from both the North Korean national flag and the Russian military flag.
Vendor A demonstrated evidence of the authenticity of the items through text messages with brokers and photographs of the patches. He claimed that a portion of sales supports the Ukrainian military, presenting a form of donation. Furthermore, he displayed a Russian military ID and a soldier’s passport for sale, asserting these belonged to original collectors – Ukrainian military personnel.
While the authenticity of the North Korean and Russian military artifacts remains unverified, they are perceived as war trophies within Kyiv’s marketplace. This phenomenon reflects an underlying desire for victory and resilience amid ongoing conflict, symbolized through the sale of these patches.
The presence of North Korean military insignia at a Kyiv street market highlights a unique intersection between conflict and commerce. Vendors are capitalizing on the rarity and intrigue of these items, with claims regarding their authenticity and historical relevance. The high demand, coupled with purported support for Ukrainian military efforts, illustrates the broader symbolic significance these artifacts hold in the context of the ongoing war.
Original Source: m.koreatimes.co.kr
