In silver; measures 36.7 mm in height incl. eyelet, 33.5 mm in width; weighs 32.0 g not including the suspension and connecting link. This version of the medal features a flat reverse, relatively thin sun rays and the "Liberation Commemoration Tower" monument, and medium-size letters and numerals on the reverse.

The medallion is in very fine to excellent condition. There are a few tiny, barely noticeable contact marks on the obverse, some minor dings to the edge, and a few small scratches on the reverse. The details of the artwork and lettering on both sides are well-preserved and crisp. There is a very attractive dark patina to the silver throughout.

The suspension has been replaced with a later-vintage Soviet suspension in aluminum. The ribbon is for a completely different Soviet medal but its color scheme resembles the original Korean ribbon, so the Soviet recipient apparently deemed it a close enough substitute.

Established in October 1948, this medal was among the first decorations of DPRK. It was awarded to Soviet Army personnel who fought in Korea against the Japanese in the last days of WW2. Soviet servicemen, especially career officers and NCOs who remained on active duty after WW2, often wore the medal on a Soviet-style suspension to keep it in line with their other decorations; it was common in such cases to use any Soviet medal ribbon of similar colors as an ad-hoc replacement because the correct Korean ribbon was nowhere to be found.

/Sessler & McDaniel, Military and Civil Awards of DPRK , pp. 317-324/