In a rare acknowledgment of military losses, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revealed that over 100 soldiers sent to fight alongside Russia in the Ukraine war have died. During a recent emotional ceremony, Kim expressed his sorrow, stating that his ‘heart aches’ for the fallen troops. He decorated the soldiers returning from the conflict, referring to them as ‘heroes’ and lavishing praise on their ‘heroic’ efforts. This ceremony, which included significant media coverage portraying the sacrifices made, marks a notable moment of vulnerability from Kim regarding the costs of the war. The abrupt recall of top North Korean officers from Russia raises questions about future military collaboration and peace negotiations concerning Ukraine.