◆ Jung Geum-ryong: "Even in Death, I Will Not Abandon Revolutionary Faith..."
The discovered Party membership application, signed by "Applicant Jung Geum-ryong," contained the following passage:
"...Like jade that may be crushed to powder but never loses its white color, like bamboo that may burn but never loses its straightness, I firmly resolve to prepare myself as an ideological and faithful warrior who will never abandon revolutionary belief even in death..."
Becoming a Party member means pledging to dedicate one's life to the Party and leader while maintaining exemplary conduct. This holds true even on Russian battlefields. Specifically, it means taking the initiative to stand on the frontlines as an example to other soldiers.
North Korean military casualties are estimated to have reached 3,000-4,000. Soldiers who never dreamed of being deployed to combat are likely experiencing severe shock, fear, and confusion as they witness comrades falling to unfamiliar modern weapons. It wouldn't be surprising if war weariness is widespread.
The author believes North Korean authorities are presenting "battlefield party admission" as virtually the only meaningful incentive effective in boosting soldiers' morale.
◆ Trading Life for a Party Membership Card
However, for soldiers, "battlefield party admission" potentially means exchanging their Party membership card for their life. One scarcely fathoms the soldiers' profound conflict when faced with writing the application while witnessing comrades' deaths.
If a Party membership card is meant to motivate soldiers on the battlefield, might it instead create a profound sense of futility rather than boost fighting spirit?
