North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again turned his attention to the country’s military strength, making a high-profile visit to one of the nation’s most elite army formations — the 11th Corps of the Korean People’s Army (KPA).
The visit, reported by state media KCNA on November 2, highlighted Kim’s continued focus on boosting both the fighting readiness and ideological discipline of his troops.
Touring the Halls of History and Meeting Top Commanders
During his inspection, Kim Jong Un was seen visiting the corps’ Historical and Revolutionary Museum, where he reviewed the unit’s legacy and past victories.
He later met with senior military and political officers before heading out to watch a special forces training exercise firsthand — a move that underscores his interest in maintaining high combat standards.
Kim didn’t hold back his praise, calling the 11th Corps a model for the entire army.
“The lofty spiritual world, mass heroism, and incomparable fighting spirit of the corps’ service members serve as a model for our entire army,” he said, according to KCNA.
Emphasis on Combat Strength and Ideological Unity
Kim reportedly used the occasion to discuss new strategies for strengthening the corps — not just in terms of firepower and combat readiness, but also in reinforcing ideological loyalty.
He highlighted the group’s unity, discipline, and professionalism as examples for other divisions to follow.
The North Korean leader’s message was clear: military might, in his view, goes hand in hand with political devotion.
His remarks come amid a broader campaign to keep morale high across the armed forces while reminding soldiers of their role in defending the regime’s revolutionary values.
Earlier Recognition for Commanders from the Frontlines
Just days before this visit, Kim had hosted a meeting on October 29 with KPA commanders who reportedly participated in the “liberation battles” of Russia’s Kursk region — a claim that has drawn attention internationally.
During that session, he listened to detailed briefings about the operations and expressed his admiration for the soldiers’ courage and sacrifices.
The back-to-back meetings suggest Kim is placing renewed emphasis on celebrating military heroism and tightening the bond between his leadership and the army’s elite units — both as a show of internal strength and a signal to the outside world.