The award system of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) was initially created less than one month after the foundation of the Republic. During the years of Japanese occupation of Korea, many of the future leaders fled to the Soviet Union. During World War II many if not close to all party leaders and Korean People's Army commanders served in the Soviet Army and as such adopted many of the Soviet awards criteria for their own. During the late 1940s and until the Sino-Soviet Split in late 1958, orders and titles were made in the Soviet Money Mints in Moscow or Leningrad. Soviet made awards were modeled after Soviet orders and made of sterling silver. Initially the orders were attached to clothing with a screw-plate, but after Soviet production stopped, production was moved to North Korea. The screwback was replaced with a pin and the silver content was replaced with cheap tin. With the exception of a few examples of modern orders, Soviet and Czech KPA awards are the most sought after in current militaria markets.
The "Hero of the Republic" was the highest award of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea until the Order of Kim Il Sung was established in 1972. Awarded for extreme heroic exploits during the Korean War and thereafter. The recipient is also awarded with the Order of the National Flag 1st Class which was the nation's highest order until the Order of Kim Il Sung. Along with the Gold Star and order the recipient is also honoured with the erection of a personal statue at their birthplace. This award is based upon the Soviet award "Hero of the Soviet Union".
This title was the highest civilian award until the establishment of the Order of Kim Il Sung in 1972. Awarded for exceptional merit and efficiency in professional labour. The recipient of this title was also awarded the Order of the National Flag 1st Class which was also the nation's highest order until the Order of Kim Il Sung. This award is based upon the Soviet award "Hero of Socialist Labour".
The Order of Kim Il Sung is the highest decoration of the country. It is awarded for contributions to the revolution or upholding the dignity of the country at home or abroad. It is usually awarded around April 15 (Day of the Sun, the birthday of Kim Il Sung). Kim Jong Il was its first recipient, although he rejected the order first.[1]
With the issuance of Decree 2150 by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly on 3 February 2012, the Order of Kim Jong Il was created for the 70th anniversary of his birth. The order measures 67mm in length and 65mm in width. It features the portrait of Kim Jong Il in the centre of golden ears of rice above a shining five-point star, the flag of the DPRK below and the emblem of the Workers' Party of Korea above with an engraving of "Order of Kim Jong-il" on the back with pin and serial number. It is made to give commendation to officials, service personnel, working people, military units, organs, enterprises, and organizations who provided distinguished service to the DPRK. The order ribbon is similar to the Order of Kim Il Sung in colour and the star at the centre, but its design is different.
Until the creation of the Order of Kim Il Sung in 1972, the highest order of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The ONF was based on the awarding criteria of the Soviet Order of the Badge of Honour. Awards were present to those that exemplified themselves in the fields of science, economics, and teachings of socialist ideologies.[citation needed]
For acts of individual gallantry in combat. The insignia design is similar to the Soviet Union Order of the Red Star (soldier on central crest encircled with wreaths) and Order of the Patriotic War (Red enamel five-pointed star, made of gold/silver, with straight rays in the background, and crossed sabre and a rifle) combined.
Conferred upon flag officers and navy commanders for outstanding leadership. The 1st class is never issued and the order is discontinued. Believed to be based on the Soviet Union equivalent Order of Ushakov or Order of Nakhimov.[citation needed]
The original screwplate or pin back awards were given to Division, Corp or Army field commanders for achievement in battle. The medal was awarded to commanders in both the KPA and the PLA. During the reign of Kim Jong Il, the award became a necktie style, has lost its battlefield prestige and given for reason more political than military. Awarded to Regiment or lower formation commanders for skill in battle.
Awarded to foreign Dignitaries, Specialists, and diplomats who performed distinguished service or meritorious achievements in strengthening their countries friendship with North Korea.
Awarded only to non-nationals. Including; Antonio Inoki in 2010-09[6]
Awarded to foreign Dignitaries, Specialists, and diplomats who performed distinguished service or meritorious achievements in strengthening their countries friendship with North Korea.
Commemorative Order "Anniversary of the Foundation of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건기념훈장 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang
1968-01-25
This order was originally dated 1968.2.8 for the 20th anniversary and also a screw-back (the only screw-back commemorative order), later variations are pin back and undated for the 40th and 50th anniversaries. This order could be awarded to an individual up to three times, especially if he/she is a veteran or retired officer or NCO of the KPA in recognition of services given to the country.
Commemorative Order "20th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건20주년기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Isip Chunyŏn Ginyŏm Hunjang
1968-05-24
This order was awarded only once per recipient and dated 1968.9.9. on the reverse. Awarded to people who helped found the DPRK in 1948 as well as those who contributed to national defense, development and progress in the past 20years.
Commemorative Order "Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang
1978
This commemorative order was issued on the 30th and 40th anniversaries of the foundation of the DPRK. It was only awarded a maximum of twice to a single recipient. The obverse of this order is identical to the 20th Anniversary Commemorative Order but is not dated on the reverse.
Commemorative Order "40th Anniversary of Fatherland Liberation War Victory" 조국해방전쟁승리40돐기념훈장 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Sŭngri Sasip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang
1993-03-10
Awarded to former combatants and high-ranking officials to mark the fortieth anniversary of the victory in the Fatherland Liberation war(Korean War).
Commemorative Order "5th March" 3월5일기념훈장 Sam-wŏl O-il Kinyŏm Hunjang
1986-03-03
Awarded to commemorate 40th anniversary of North Korean land reform on March 5, 1946,
Commemorative Order "30th Anniversary of the Agricultural Presentation" 농촌데제발표30돐년기념훈장 Nongch'onde Chebal P'yo Samsip-dolnyŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang
1994
Awarded to commemorate, and celebrate, the 30 years of agricultural success resulting from the reforms of Kim Il Sung.
Commemorative Order "60th Anniversary of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건60돐기념훈장 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Yusip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang
1992-03-23
Awarded to officers and generals of the Korean People's Army for long and distinguished service by the time of the 60th anniversary of the Korean People's Army.
Commemorative Order "Capital Construction" 수도건설기념훈장 Sudo Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Hunjang
1992-06-24
Awarded to senior military and civilians who had participated in the rebuilding and modernisation of Pyongyang.
Commemorative Order "50th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건50돐년기념훈장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Osip-dolnyŏn Kinyŏm Hunjang
1998-05-24
Awarded to those then working for the party or state for distinguished service to the state, party and armed forces.
Commemorative Order "60th Year Anniversary of the Fatherland Liberation War Victory" 조국해방전쟁승리60돐기념훈장 Choguk Haebang Chǒnjaeng Sŭngri Yusip-dol Kinyŏm Hunjang
Awarded to foreign diplomatic personnel, relevant officials, technicians and experts who work hard to strengthen friendship and unity with other countries.
Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War.
Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War.
Commemorative Medal "Fatherland Liberation" 조국해방기념메달 Choguk Haebang Kinyŏm Medal
1985-7-25
Awarded to all active and reserve enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers, officers, generals and admirals of the KPA who participated in the Korean War.
Commemorative Medal "The Foundation of the People's Republic of Korea" 조선민주주의인민공화국창건기념메달 Chosŏn Inmin'gun Ch'anggŏn Kinyŏm Medal
1983-8-19
Awarded for outstanding achievement and distinguished service to the country.
Commemorative Medal "20th Anniversary Of The Chongryon Foundation"'
''.기념메달 "총련재단 20주년"
''.Ginyeommedal "chonglyeonjaedan 20junyeon"
1975-05-20
Awarded to Chongryon members in good standing during the organization's 20th Anniversary since its founding in 1955.
Commemorative Medal "Cheonggang Power Plant Dam Construction" 정강산발전소건설기념메달 Chŏnggang Sanbaljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal
1990s
Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the dam.
Commemorative Medal "Capital Construction" 수도건설기념메달 Sudo Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal
1992-6-24
Awarded to military and civilians who had participated in the rebuilding and modernisation of Pyongyang.
Commemorative Medal "Mt. Kumgang Power Plant Construction""[13]
1996-9-11
Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the Kumgang Power plant.
Commemorative Medal "Pyongyang-Nampho Highway Construction" 평양-남포고속도로건설기념메달 P'yŏngyang-Namp'o Kosoktoro Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal
2000-9-13
Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the Pyongyang-Nampho Highway.
Commemorative Medal "Military Parade" 열병식기념메달 Yŏlbyŏngsik Kinyŏm Medal
1997-03-26
Awarded to military units taking part in the various military parades in commemoration of state holidays.
Commemorative Medal "Huicheon Power Plant Construction" 희천발전소건설기념메달 Huichŏn Paljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal
2011-10-23
Awarded to civilians and military for taking part in the construction of the Huicheon Power Plant.
Commemorative Medal "Paektusan Youth Power Station Construction"
백두산청년발전소건설기념메달 Paektusan Chongnyon Paljŏnso Kŏnsŏl Kinyŏm Medal
2016
Awarded to individuals that practicipated in the construction of the Paektusan Youth Power Station Construction.
Commemorative Badge "20th Anniversary of the Foundation of the People's Army" 조선인민군창건20주년기념휘장 Chosŏn Minjujuŭi Inmin Konghwaguk Ch'anggŏn Isip Chunyŏn Kinyŏm Hwijang
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) is the state news agency of North Korea. The agency portrays the views of the North Korean government for both domestic and foreign consumption. It was established on December 5, 1946, and now features online coverage.
Kim Jong Suk was a Korean anti-Japanese guerrilla, a Communist activist, North Korean leader Kim Il Sung's first wife, former leader Kim Jong Il's mother, and current leader Kim Jong Un's grandmother.
The National Reunification Prize is an award of North Korea, bestowed by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly upon people who have contributed to the reunification of Korea. The award was instituted in 1990.
Kang Ki-sop was a North Korean politician. He was the Director of North Korea's General Administration of Civil Aviation(민용항공총국), and was an alternate member of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea. He died in January 2017.
The People's Prize is a North Korean arts and sciences award. It is awarded by the People's Prize Awarding Commission, which is working directly under the Cabinet of North Korea. The prize can be granted to works of art or people. People's Prize has been an important award in the field of North Korean cinema.
Upon its liberation in 1945 and subsequent foundation in 1948, North Korea adopted national symbols distinct from the national symbols of South Korea. The traditional flag of Korea, the Taegukgi, and the symbol Taeguk, were swapped for socialist symbols.
The Order of Kim Il Sung (Korean: 김일성훈장) is the highest order of North Korea, along with the Order of Kim Jong Il, and only second to one honorary title, the Hero of Labour.
The Order of Kim Jong Il is a North Korean order named after Kim Jong Il, the former leader of North Korea. It is the highest order of North Korea, along with the Order of Kim Il-Sung, and only second to one honorary title, the Hero of Labour.
The Order of the National Flag is the second highest order of North Korea, after the Order of Kim Il Sung and the Order of Kim Jong Il.
The Order of Freedom and Independence is one of the highest North Korean orders. It is divided into two classes: the first class is awarded to commanders and partisan units of brigades, divisions, and higher military groups for bravery, courage, and auspicious command of military operations. The second class is awarded to the commanders of partisan regiments, battalions, companies, and detachments, as well as to civil professionals employed in the industry for the military. The order is awarded with the Order of the National Flag of the same rank.
The Kim Il Sung Prize (김일성상) is an award given by the Government of North Korea to persons in various fields who demonstrate exemplary service to the values of Juche idea. Past winners include the Korean composer Kim Won-gyun, judoka Kye Sun-hui, and the Arirang Festival.
The International Kim Jong Il Prize is a North Korean award named after the country's second leader, Kim Jong Il. It was created on December 24, 2012, approximately a year after his death.
People's Athlete is a North Korean honorary title awarded to sportspeople. It was created in 1966. It is usually reserved to those who have won in the Olympic Games or have won a world championship, as it is the most prestigious award for North Korean sportspeople.
Labor Hero is one of the highest titles of honor of North Korea and the highest decoration of the country overall. The award was probably scheduled for establishment in the summer of 1950, but the Korean War postponed these plans. When the war had entered a phase of stalemate along the 38th parallel, the government had time to officially launch the decoration, originally under the name Korea Hero of Labor. 16 people were decorated Labor Heroes during the war and more since then. The decoration is based on its Soviet equivalent, Hero of Socialist Labour.
The Soldier's Medal of Honour was instituted on July 1, 1950. The order is a military award of North Korea given to soldiers and guerrillas for combat bravery or leadership of troops in battle. Designed along the lines of and awarded with the criteria as the same level as the Soviet Order of the Patriotic War. North Korea granted a 50% pension to any soldier permanently disabled in an action that result in the soldier being awarded the order.
Hero of the Republic is a North Korean honorific title. It was created on 30 June 1950 as Hero of the Korean People's Republic (조선인민공화국영웅). It was the first title created in the country. Despite having been created just five days after the Korean War broke out, the connection seems incidental. 533 people were awarded Hero of the Republic during the war, and many more since then.
Kim Il Sung was the founder and first leader of North Korea. According to North Korean sources, the country awarded him "the title of Hero of the DPRK three times, the title of Labour Hero of the DPRK, 26 orders and 3 medals". In addition, foreign countries and organizations conferred upon him 74 orders and 152 medals.
Hwang Sun-hui was a North Korean politician who served in several high-ranking positions in the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), including in the Supreme People's Assembly and the Central Committee of the WPK. She was affiliated with the Korean Revolution Museum from 1965, and was its director from 1990.
Dermot Caradoc Hudson is a British communist political activist with close relations with North Korea. He is the Chairman of the British Group for the Study of the Juche Idea, Chairman of United Kingdom Korean Friendship Association, and President of the British Association for the Study of Songun Politics.
This is a list of awards and decorations received by Kim Jong Il. According to North Korean sources, North Korea "conferred ... the title of Hero of the DPRK four times, the Order of Kim Il Sung four times, Kim Il Sung Prize two times, 22 orders and 9 medals" on Kim Jong Il. Additionally, "[m]any countries and international organizations conferred 39 orders, 141 medals and 201 honorary titles on him".
↑ "The 60th Anniversary of the Victorious Fatherland Liberation War Order and Its Miniature Decoration". Korea Today. Vol.685, no.7. 2013. ISSN0454-4072.
↑ Sessler, Warren E.; McDaniel, Paul (2009). Military and Civil Awards of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Henderson, Nevada: Sessler Incorporated. p.85. ISBN978-0-615-28482-8.
Boik, William A. (2008). Orders, Decorations, and Medals of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Springfield, VA: DBMPress.com. ISBN978-0-615-19087-7.
Cabral, David L. (2000). Orders and Decorations of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Orders and Medals Society of America Monograph Series No. 8 (2nded.). San Ramon.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
Ingraham, Kevin R. (1993). Honors, Medals and Awards of the Korean War 1950-1953 (1sted.). Binghampton: Prospect Press. ISBN0-9635795-0-9.
Lankov, Andrei (2014). "Honoring the Order of Medals". North of the DMZ: Essays on Daily Life in North Korea. Jefferson: McFarland. ISBN978-0-7864-5141-8.
Sainty, Guy Stair; Heydel-Mankoo, Rafal, eds. (2006). "Korea, Democratic People's Republic of (North)". World Orders of Knighthood and Merit. Vol.2. Wilmington: Burke's Peerage & Gentry. ISBN978-0-9711966-7-4.
Werlich, Robert (1990). "Korea". Orders and Decorations of All Nations: Ancient and Modern, Civil and Military (2nded.). Washington: Quaker Press. OCLC55357779.
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