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What does the medal look like?

The medal is a beautiful five-pointed star made of solid gold. It hangs from a small red and white ribbon on the chest. People wear this gold star on the left side of their uniforms. It is always placed above every other medal to show that it is the most important one.

Who was the first person to receive it?

This award was first created on June 30, 1950, right after the Korean War started. It was given to soldiers and pilots who showed extreme courage in the early months of the fighting. Many of these first medals were made in special factories in the Soviet Union. These heroes were honored for their brave actions in the heat of battle.

Can someone win this award more than once?

Yes, it is possible for a person to earn this high honor more than one time. The most famous person to receive it multiple times was the country's leader, Kim Il Sung. High-ranking military commanders also earned it again for different acts of service. Being given the award again shows that a person stayed very loyal to their country for a long time.

Did foreign soldiers ever earn this award?

Yes, the medal was not only for people from North Korea. Many Chinese commanders who fought to help North Korea during the Korean War received this prize. It was a way for the government to say thank you for their help on the battlefield. Giving these awards helped build a strong friendship between the two nations.

What special perks come with the award?

Winning this medal brings a person a lot of fame and respect across the whole country. Winners receive special rewards for their whole lives, including extra money from a pension. They and their families are often given better homes than other people. It is known as the highest honor a person can ever achieve in North Korea.

What does the medal look like?

The medal is a beautiful five-pointed star made of solid gold. It hangs from a small red and white ribbon on the chest. People wear this gold star on the left side of their uniforms. It is always placed above every other medal to show that it is the most important one.

Who was the first person to receive it?

This award was first created on June 30, 1950, right after the Korean War started. It was given to soldiers and pilots who showed extreme courage in the early months of the fighting. Many of these first medals were made in special factories in the Soviet Union. These heroes were honored for their brave actions in the heat of battle.

Can someone win this award more than once?

Yes, it is possible for a person to earn this high honor more than one time. The most famous person to receive it multiple times was the country's leader, Kim Il Sung. High-ranking military commanders also earned it again for different acts of service. Being given the award again shows that a person stayed very loyal to their country for a long time.

Did foreign soldiers ever earn this award?

Yes, the medal was not only for people from North Korea. Many Chinese commanders who fought to help North Korea during the Korean War received this prize. It was a way for the government to say thank you for their help on the battlefield. Giving these awards helped build a strong friendship between the two nations.

What special perks come with the award?

Winning this medal brings a person a lot of fame and respect across the whole country. Winners receive special rewards for their whole lives, including extra money from a pension. They and their families are often given better homes than other people. It is known as the highest honor a person can ever achieve in North Korea.

Home Library North KoreaHero of the Republic

Valor decoration

Hero of the Republic

North Korea's highest award presented for extreme bravery and major service in military defense.

North Korea Established 1950 All servicesPrecedence: 1st, North Korea's highest individual title of honour

Medals & Awards

Awarded For

Awarded for exceptional acts of heroic bravery and outstanding service during wartime combat or national defense.

Eligibility

Military personnel and individuals who perform supreme acts of combat heroism.

Branch

All services

Precedence

1st, North Korea's highest individual title of honour

Hero of the Republic, Valor decoration, North Korea medal

History

The Hero of the Republic award was created on June 30, 1950, by the North Korean government right after the Korean War started. It was modeled directly after the famous Hero of the Soviet Union gold star decoration. It became the country's most respected military and civilian honor.

Early medals were produced with high-quality metals in Soviet factories. Later on, North Korea began manufacturing them on its own using domestic materials. The badge features a golden star badge worn on the left chest above all other decorations.

Over the years, the honor was given to North Korean soldiers, foreign allies like Chinese commanders, and even top political leaders. It carries special pensions, lifetime privileges, and immense national prestige.