"Disciplined, Devoted, and Well-Trained: Experts Warn Against Underestimating North Korean Soldiers in Russia"
Seoul, South Korea
Far from their homeland in one of the world’s most isolated and secretive regimes, around 11,000 North Korean soldiers find themselves involved in Europe’s largest conflict since World War II.
Little is known about these troops, sent to support Russia in its prolonged and devastating war in Ukraine. Their mission and orders remain unclear, and neither Moscow nor Pyongyang has officially acknowledged their deployment. However, U.S., Ukrainian, and South Korean intelligence reports indicate that North Korean forces have engaged in combat operations alongside Russian troops, particularly in the western Kursk region, attacking Ukrainian positions.
Casualties and Combat Engagement
Reports suggest North Korean forces have already suffered significant losses. A senior U.S. official stated that North Korea has experienced "several hundred" casualties, both killed and wounded, since their deployment in October. Ukrainian sources report that at least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed or injured over the past weekend alone in fighting near villages close to the Ukrainian border.
According to South Korean intelligence, approximately 100 North Korean soldiers have been killed, and nearly 1,000 wounded in Kursk, including high-ranking officers. These troops, described as lacking real-world combat experience, face an unfamiliar, brutal war theater that has taken a heavy toll on both sides.
Elite Troops or Ill-Prepared Soldiers?
Despite their lack of combat history, some analysts caution against underestimating the North Korean soldiers. Military experts suggest that leader Kim Jong Un likely sent elite members of the Storm Corps—an elite branch of the North Korean military. These forces are known for their rigorous training, physical fitness, and loyalty.
The Storm Corps, or 11th Army Corps, includes highly trained units akin to U.S. Navy SEALs or Britain’s SAS. Some units specialize in light infantry, sniping, and guerrilla tactics. North Korean propaganda often showcases extreme training, such as soldiers breaking cinder blocks on their bare chests, which is designed to demonstrate their resilience.
Psychological Conditioning
North Korean soldiers are subjected to intense indoctrination to foster loyalty and mental toughness. Analysts believe these psychological tactics could give them an edge over other forces entering foreign conflicts. However, questions remain about how well their training will translate to the realities of modern warfare in Ukraine.
Challenges on the Battlefield
The war in Ukraine poses significant challenges for North Korean soldiers. The battlefield is dominated by advanced drone warfare, which has transformed modern conflict, amplifying surveillance and destruction. Additionally, Russia’s use of mass-assault tactics has resulted in heavy casualties, even for experienced troops. U.S. officials have labeled North Korean forces in Ukraine as “fair game” for attacks using U.S.-made weapons.
Reports also indicate command and communication issues, with Russian forces training the North Koreans in basic military terminology and tactics. Despite this, it is unclear whether they will be assigned to combat roles, trench-clearing operations, or defensive positions.
Life as a North Korean Soldier
North Korean soldiers often endure harsh conditions. Defectors describe their service as plagued by malnutrition, grueling marches, and inadequate medical care. While elite units may receive better rations and supplies, the average soldier suffers from poor living conditions, limited food, and frequent training accidents.
For many, military service offers a rare opportunity. South Korean intelligence suggests these troops may earn up to $2,000 a month in Russia—a stark contrast to their typical monthly wage of $1. Even after deductions by the regime, this income could be life-changing for their families back home.
Defections Unlikely
Despite the hardships, mass defections are improbable. North Korean soldiers deployed abroad operate under strict surveillance, often in pairs, to prevent escape. Any soldier attempting to defect risks being killed by their own comrades.
Strategic Implications
The success or failure of North Korean troops in Ukraine could have significant repercussions. Their performance may influence future conflicts, particularly on the Korean Peninsula. If they fail, it could expose weaknesses in North Korea’s military. However, if they adapt and gain combat experience, the implications could be dire for regional and global security.