Report from a Closed National Assembly Intelligence Committee Meeting
“Evidence of Attempts at Self-destruction Before Capture” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on the 11th (local time) that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of western Russia. The photo shows the captured North Korean soldiers. January 12, 2025, Yonhap News,
‘The National Intelligence Service reported that there are approximately 3,000 casualties among North Korean soldiers deployed to the Ukraine front to support Russia.’
‘On the 13th, the National Intelligence Service reported this information during a closed meeting held by the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, as conveyed by legislators Lee Sung-kwon from the People Power Party and Park Sun-won from the Democratic Party to reporters.’
‘The National Intelligence Service stated, “The areas of engagement for North Korean troops deployed to Russia are expanding across the Kursk front,” and assessed that the number of North Korean casualties has surpassed 3,000, with roughly 300 dead and 2,700 injured,’ conveyed by legislator Lee.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on the 11th (local time) that the Ukrainian military captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of western Russia. The photo shows the captured North Korean soldiers. January 12, 2025, Yonhap News,
‘The National Intelligence Service analyzed recently obtained video footage of North Korean troops, indicating that their lack of understanding of modern warfare and Russia’s manner of utilizing North Korean forces—such as meaningless long-range drone targeting and assaults without rear fire support—are primary causes for the large-scale casualties.’
‘It was reported by the National Intelligence Service that notes found on deceased soldiers emphasized self-destruction before capture, as ordered by North Korean authorities.’
‘The National Intelligence Service confirmed an incident where a North Korean soldier attempted to detonate a grenade while shouting “General Kim Jong-un” after being on the verge of capture by Ukrainian forces, and was subsequently killed.’
‘It was understood by the National Intelligence Service that the two North Korean prisoners recently captured by Ukrainian authorities belong to the Reconnaissance General Bureau, and they testified that the North Korean government had promised they would be treated as heroes without any prior agreement for deployment wages.’
‘In this regard, legislator Lee stated, “These prisoners did not express any desire to come to South Korea,” adding, “The National Intelligence Service, from the perspective that North Korean soldiers should be considered part of our citizens due to constitutional values, holds that if any captured North Korean soldier requests defection, they will actively negotiate with Ukraine.”’