The military of North Korea has played a crucial role in maintaining the grip of its Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, on power. Simultaneously, it has served as a strong deterrent against its perennial rival, South Korea. With a staggering strength of approximately 1.3 million personnel, North Korea boasts one of the largest conventional military forces globally, equipped with a range of weaponry and technologies that reflect its longstanding commitment to military might.

In a recent development, over 11,000 North Korean soldiers have been dispatched to engage in combat alongside Russian forces in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This deployment marks a significant shift in Kim Jong-un’s military strategy, as it aims not only to secure essential financial support but also to bolster diplomatic relations with Moscow. The intricacies of this partnership stem from shared interests in countering Western influence and fortifying each nation’s military capabilities.

The contingent sent to Ukraine is primarily composed of elite troops from North Korea’s renowned “Storm” Corps—special forces units that are distinguished for their rigorous training regimens and intensive ideological indoctrination. Traditionally, these forces have been tasked with special operations, showcasing loyalty and agility. However, reports from South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reveal that many of these soldiers are ill-equipped to navigate the complex realities of modern warfare, which include advanced technologies such as drone warfare and the challenging logistical considerations of operating in unfamiliar territory far from home.

Tragically, during their initial forays into combat, North Korean forces have faced devastating consequences, with reports confirming the deaths of over 100 soldiers and approximately 1,000 others sustaining injuries. The casualties are particularly alarming given that intelligence indicates a general-ranking officer may also be among the fatalities, as disclosed by South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun following a confidential briefing with intelligence officials. Such losses highlight the steep learning curve these troops face in an environment marked by rapid technological evolution and tactical complexity.

In light of these developments, North Korean authorities have begun to craft plans for the potential deployment of additional forces to assist Russia. Kim Jong-un appears to perceive the ongoing conflict in Europe—the most significant military engagement since World War II—as an invaluable strategic opportunity to further his military objectives and enhance diplomatic ties with an ally. As this scenario unfolds, it serves as North Korea’s first substantial involvement in an international conflict, and a closer examination of its military capabilities reveals the ongoing challenges and risks faced by the troops Mr. Kim has already placed in harm’s way.

What are the weaknesses of North Korean troops?

The special forces of North Korea have undergone rigorous training primarily focused on specialized missions, such as sharpshooting, urban combat, and infiltrations via maritime, aerial, and the mountainous terrain that characterizes the Korean Peninsula. However, this training has not adequately prepared them for modern warfare tactics, particularly those involving drone operations and trench warfare, which are prevalent in regions with expansive and flat landscapes like the front lines seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. This observation comes from Doo Jin-ho, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses in Seoul, highlighting a significant gap in their military preparedness.

For two years during the pandemic, North Korea enforced strict lockdown measures that significantly altered the routine of its military, particularly its elite special forces. These troops were assigned to rotate in and out of guard-post responsibilities along the isolated border with China, which meant they missed out on crucial regular training sessions, as highlighted by Mr. Doo.

South Korean intelligence officials conveyed to lawmakers that the rapid deployment of these North Korean soldiers into Russia’s military operations would likely lead to integration challenges. The soldiers, under immense pressure, were pushed into battle with only a rudimentary understanding of essential military terminology in Russian—terms such as “open fire,” “artillery,” and “in position.” This lack of comprehensive language training raises concerns about their ability to communicate effectively on the battlefield, potentially jeopardizing operational efficiency.

Ahn Chan-il, a former sergeant in the North Korean army now residing in South Korea, pointed out a critical aspect of the situation: “From the highest ranks to the foot soldiers, the North Korean military has been devoid of live combat experience for decades.” He speculated that while the troops must have undergone an intensive, crash course covering the basics of drone operations and infantry tactics, a critical question lingers: How proficient are they truly in applying these skills under pressure in real combat scenarios?

Who Holds the Reins of Power?

Once dismissed by various external observers as a mere youth lacking in experience, Mr. Kim, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, has emerged as a formidable commander in chief. His rule is often characterized by what the South Korean government has termed a “reign of terror,” instilling fear and asserting control over the nation.

His father and predecessor, Kim Jong-il, governed under a “military-first” doctrine, strategically harnessing the might of the Korean People’s Army. This approach sought to maintain stability during the tumultuous aftermath of the devastating famine that struck in the 1990s. In a reciprocal agreement, Kim Jong-il allocated a significant portion of government resources to the military, allowing it to dominate various profitable sectors such as mining, fishing, and illicit smuggling operations.

However, upon ascending to power following his father’s death in 2011, Mr. Kim launched a calculated campaign to diminish the influence of the military elite. He orchestrated a series of purges, systematically banishing or executing high-ranking generals who posed a threat to his authority. One of the most notorious incidents came in 2015 when General Hyon Yong-chol, who held the position of defense minister, met a grisly fate. He was executed using an anti-aircraft gun after reportedly dozing off during a meeting with Mr. Kim, a chilling reminder of the lengths to which the young leader would go to enforce his dominance.

Soldiers are taking immense risks

Soldiers are taking immense risks, braving death itself in pursuit of greater social standing and financial rewards. Many of the troops dispatched to the conflict in Russia likely hail from impoverished backgrounds, seeking an escape from the oppressive conditions they face at home. The opportunity to serve abroad, coupled with the tantalizing prospect of earning up to $2,000 per month— a significant sum for a North Korean soldier— serves as a powerful incentive.

Despite the fact that the North Korean regime is expected to siphon off most of these earnings, what remains could transform the financial landscape for these soldiers. Moreover, the government is keen on boosting morale among its troops fighting on the front lines by dangling the prospect of swift induction into the Workers’ Party, a prestigious and coveted status that represents a rare upward mobility within the rigid class structure of North Korea. This insight comes from Kim Seongmin, a former captain in the North Korean army turned radio broadcaster in the South, who has access to information from sources still in the North.

“The soldiers are gripped by despair, aware that their futures in North Korea are bleak,” explains Kim Kwang-Jin, a North Korean defector who now serves as a senior analyst at the Institute for National Security Strategy in Seoul. “They are willing to risk their lives, viewing this assignment not just as a chance to earn money, but as a potential avenue to elevate their family’s status to that of war martyrs if they should fall in battle.”

Defectors assert that even in the face of severe casualties, the regime’s totalitarian grip on society would suppress any public dissent or outcry for accountability. “For North Korea, the loss of life is merely a statistic,” remarks Sim Ju-il, a former lieutenant colonel in the North Korean army who has since settled in Seoul. “The government regards such losses as an unavoidable price for gaining experience in modern warfare, especially in anticipation of a potential conflict with the United States in Korean territory.”