North Korea’s second deployment to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine imminent, experts suggest
Concerns are rising that North Korea may soon send a second wave of troops to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As the bitter winter of January approaches, Russia is accelerating the deployment of North Korean forces, with reports indicating a growing number of North Korean civilians volunteering to join.
This move suggests that additional troop deployments are likely, further strengthening the alliance between Russia and North Korea amidst political instability in South Korea.
According to Segye Ilbo on December 18, sources familiar with North Korean affairs have stated, “With the coldest months of January and February approaching, North Korea is hastening its troop dispatch. While the initial deployment of the Storm Corps (11th Corps) took time due to the selection of new recruits by region, the process is now speeding up as more citizens are volunteering.”
The Storm Corps, known as one of North Korea’s elite units, has been primarily recruiting soldiers who are expected to be obedient to orders. This strategy is based on the belief that new recruits, who are less experienced but more compliant, are more likely to follow commands from the leadership compared to seasoned soldiers.
Notably, there has been a surge in recruitment among farmers and coal miners, who typically face difficulties in changing their social status. According to the sources, serving in the military allows them to become Party members, changing their social status and offering a chance for their families to join the ranks of the elite, which is seen as an honor.
As a result of this deployment, Russia’s support for North Korea has significantly increased. The sources revealed that the volume of supplies like flour and rice sent from Russia to North Korea has surged from 5% to 40%. “North Koreans now regard Russia as favorably as they would a grandfather who can provide help,” they added.
In response to this situation, Professor Park Won-gon of Ewha Womans University explained, “Since North Korean troops are integrated into the Russian military structure, additional deployments are inevitable to replace any casualties.” However, he raised doubts about the voluntary nature of the deployments, stating, “Unlike in the past, becoming a Party member no longer offers substantial benefits, so it’s unclear whether the volunteers are genuinely motivated.”
On November 29, Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov visited Pyongyang, where North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The meeting included a welcoming banquet for the Russian military delegation, as reported by Korean Central Television.
A South Korean Ministry of Unification official speculated that the second deployment would most likely involve a rotation of the initial batch of soldiers. The U.S. Department of Defense has already confirmed casualties from the first wave of soldiers who fought in the Kursk region.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
