North Korean authorities have reportedly promised a range of privileges—including Workers’ Party membership, residency in Pyongyang, and university admission—to soldiers deployed to Russia.
Given North Korea’s rigid class-based social structure, these incentives are considered highly exceptional, raising concerns that Pyongyang is using them to push young soldiers onto the battlefield to strengthen military ties with Moscow.
According to multiple North Korean sources cited by Kookmin Ilbo on February 16, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un personally offered these benefits to troops sent to Russia. One source stated, “There are reports that Kim Jong-un promised party membership, Pyongyang residency, and university admission as incentives for deployed soldiers.”
Another source added, “Those who distinguish themselves in Russia are said to receive not only the title of ‘Hero’ but also opportunities to study at top universities in Pyongyang. If they survive and return, Kim Jong-un is likely to grant them substantial benefits.”
Intelligence Agencies Tracking North Korea’s Promised Incentives
South Korean intelligence officials also believe North Korea is offering significant benefits to deployed troops. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) stated, “Considering that North Korea has previously granted rewards such as party membership to soldiers who excel in training or missions, we are investigating the likelihood that similar incentives are being provided in this case.”
Last month, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces (SOF) disclosed that they had recovered a Workers’ Party membership application form from the belongings of a North Korean soldier killed in Russia’s Kursk region.
The NIS also reported to South Korea’s National Assembly in January that “notes found among the fallen North Korean soldiers mentioned expectations of party membership or amnesty.” This new report further reinforces the claim that Pyongyang is officially offering these incentives to its troops. In addition, North Korea is reportedly providing food and daily necessities to the families of deployed soldiers.
Rare Social Mobility for Low-Class Soldiers
In North Korea’s deeply stratified society, where social mobility is largely dictated by “songbun” (family background classification), the opportunity to join the ruling Workers’ Party or reside in Pyongyang is considered a rare privilege. For soldiers from lower-class backgrounds, such incentives provide a unique chance for social advancement.
According to Kookmin Ilbo, Kang Dong-wan, a professor at Dong-A University, noted, “Although North Korea claims that party membership is open to all, in reality, it requires specific conditions. The soldiers being sent to Russia likely belong to units where party membership is difficult to obtain, making these promises particularly attractive.”
However, analysts warn that such extraordinary benefits could spark resentment among North Korea’s ruling elite. Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University, remarked, “Pyongyang residency and university admission are highly coveted privileges. Given North Korea’s hierarchical social structure, it would be difficult for the regime to distribute these benefits too easily without facing internal backlash.”
North Korea’s troop deployment is seen as part of a broader effort to secure advanced military technology and deepen its alliance with Russia. However, despite these collective and individual incentives, Pyongyang is likely to face criticism for sending large numbers of young soldiers—many in their late teens and early twenties—into a high-risk war zone.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
