By Jun Ji-hye
North Korea has paid tribute to 14 of its military personnel who were involved with the launch of a satellite in 2009, including one Air Force pilot who died.
According to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) Tuesday, the country’s leader Kim Jong-un inspected Unit 447 of the Air and Anti-Air Force and was pictured in front of a monument to honor the “14 stalwart fighters who displayed great bravery.”
The KCNA added that the monument honors the “heroic feats performed by the military to ensure the successful launch of the Kwangmyongsong-2 satellite.”
Following the report, some South Korean vernacular media reported that 14 people appear to have died during the operation.
However, officials noted that only one pilot is believed to have been killed. This is thought to have occurred on April 4, 2009, a day before the rocket launch, while he was on a reconnaissance flight close to the launch site scouting for possible interceptions.
A report made last year by the Rodong Sinmun, a daily newspaper run by the North’s ruling Workers’ Party, has supported this interpretation.
On April 20 last year, the newspaper said, “Kim awarded pilot Jung Chul-joo, who was sacrificed during a combat mission, with the title of hero of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.”
The newspaper added that the 13 airmen were awarded watches by the North Korean leader for their efforts.
Pyongyang launched the Kwangmyongsong-2 three months after Kim Jong-un was named as the successor to his father Kim Jong-il.
The two Kims observed the launch together.
The report on the Kwangmyongsong-2 achievement is seen as an attempt by Pyongyang to boost the morale of its troops in response to South Korea and the United States’ annual joint Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military exercises that began Monday.
The drills are part of efforts to improve the combined forces’ military capability in deterring threats from the isolated state.
Describing the exercises as a rehearsal for invasion, Pyongyang test fired two mid-range missiles into the East Sea on the first day of the drills.
Praising Unit 447 as the “high pride” of the country, the young leader also said the unit needs to play a role in leading his campaign for forest restoration, according to the KCNA.
He planted ginkgo and other types of trees himself during “field guidance” of the unit.