Kim Jong Un Hails Soldiers Who Chose Death Over Surrender as Heroes

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised soldiers who chose to take their own lives rather than surrender on the battlefield as 'heroes'.

Kim stated, 'There are not only heroes who willingly chose the path of self-destruction to protect their honor, but also warriors who fell fighting at the forefront of assault battles (battles bravely advancing towards enemy territory).' He positively evaluated the actions of those who refused to surrender and made extreme choices. This is interpreted as the first official statement by a North Korean leader to elevate individuals who committed suicide to avoid capture by the enemy on the battlefield as heroes.