North Korea’s deployment of a large-scale ground force to Russia is being criticized as indicative of the brutal human rights violations perpetrated by the regime. Ukrainian estimates suggest the troop numbers could be as high as 10,000, raising concerns that these soldiers are being sent into the line of fire without choice, reducing them to mere cannon fodder enforced by party orders. Despite this, in late July, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un focused on crafting an image as a “people-loving leader” by visiting flood recovery sites in the northern border region.
Kim Jong-un’s recent activities include a belated visit to Jagang Province, which occurred three months after the floods hit. The area is heavily concentrated with military-related facilities, which may explain his reluctance to visit sooner. On October 22, the Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim Jong-un had inspected the flood recovery construction sites and expressed satisfaction with the progress, yet urged improvements in the quality of construction projects to ensure perfection. He also decided to extend the completion deadline for rebuilding homes in disaster areas from early November to early December, ensuring the welfare of flood-affected residents staying in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-un’s visit is seen as an attempt to prevent public discontent amid slow flood recovery efforts due to international sanctions and economic difficulties. However, his recent large-scale troop deployment to support Russia’s war in Ukraine has raised widespread condemnation. Such a deployment, considered illegal by experts, poses a severe threat to global peace and involves significant human rights abuses.
Experts suggest the deployment emphasizes North Korea’s need for foreign currency rather than loyalty to Russia, implicitly highlighting Kim Jong-un’s willingness to sacrifice his own people for personal gain. The revelation of troop involvement overseas may lead to internal instability, especially among the younger “MZ generation,” who are more market-oriented. Reports have emerged of 18 North Korean soldiers being detained for leaving their posts in Russia, hinting at potential future desertions.
While North Korea attempts to keep these movements secret, it’s likely the truth will eventually reach its citizens, increasing the potential for unrest. The exposure of these soldiers to external influences and cultures could further crack North Korea’s internal structure, necessitating a long-term response from the regime. If casualties occur in the conflict, internal unrest is anticipated, echoing growing concerns from international observers.