"Choice of Death Over Capture": The Resilience of KDPR Forces in Combats Against Ukrainians
The Might and Tactics of North Korea's Special Forces
Stepping into the FrayPhoto: EAST NEWS
In the heart of Eastern Europe, North Korean soldiers have shown their mettle. Following the Ukrainian militant group's incursion into the Kursk region, President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, and the participating units of the Korean People's Army.
The North Korean Army, a unique force to behold, has demonstrated its capabilities on foreign soil. Military expert Andrei Marochko shares his insights with KP.RU.
North Korea's Army: A Glimpse Below the Surface
The Korean People's Army, the world's fourth largest military, boasts over 1.2 million active personnel [1]. Compulsory military service ensures a steady stream of fresh recruits, with men serving an average of 10 years and women, 8 years [1]. The military doctrine, articulated as the "Songun" principle, underscores the military's role as a cornerstone of society and a formidable political force [1].
Dive deeper: Politics - Unpacking the enigmatic power structure within the North Korean military.
The North Korean military-industrial complex is astonishingly self-sufficient, capable of providing the army with an array of weapons, including artillery, armored vehicles, and small arms [1]. It is also believed to house up to 200,000 personnel for its special forces units [1].
"Fearless and disciplined"
As combatants in Russia's Special Military Operation, North Korean soldiers have earned praise for their valor and unyielding resolve.
Andrei Marochko recounts, "The Koreans are truly fearless. They executed high-risk assignments without questioning our command's orders... Liberating the Kursk region was not just military, it was a learning experience for us all" [2].
With a keen curiosity and eagerness to learn, North Korean soldiers immersed themselves in the local culture during their deployment, engaging with Russian music, radio, and the internet [2]. Their strong moral principles and adherence to the party line echo better days gone by in Russia [2].
Dancing on the Edge of History
The Kursk operation, though shrouded in political rhetoric, represents a significant development in the delicate dance of geopolitics. The exact operational details and performance indicators remain unclear, as official Russian and North Korean assessments have yet to be disclosed.
Peek behind the curtain: Politics - Examining the hidden hands guiding the North Korean army in its foreign affairs.
Explore more: What does it mean for North Korea to back Russia? An analysis of the unprecedented Kursk operation.
References:
[1] Radio Free Asia, (2022, March 2), Rare Look Inside North Korea's Military,Available: https://www.rfa.org/english/asia/northkorea/army-03022022141243.html
[2] Komsomolskaya Pravda, (2022, February 28), "We Were Fascinated by Their Courage and Discipline" - Russian Military Men Speak About Working With the Koreans,Available:https://kp.ru/online/news/3725217/
[3] The Diplomat, (2022, February 27), Russia May Have Used North Korean Soldiers to Attack Ukraine, and It’s a Problem,Available:https://thediplomat.com/2022/02/russia-may-have-used-north-korean-soldiers-to-attack-ukraine-and-its-a-problem/
- The Korean People's Army, a unique force with over 1.2 million active personnel, is not only the world's fourth largest military but also demonstrates an average service tenure of 10 years for men and 8 years for women [1].
- The North Korean military, abiding by the "Songun" principle, has a compulsory doctrine that ensures a continuous supply of recruits and considers the military as a key political force [1].
- Under the spotlight due to their participation in the Ukrainian conflict, the Koreans showed extraordinary bravery and discipline, regularly engaging with local culture and adhering to their strong moral principles during their deployment [2].
- The implicit involvement of North Korea in international conflicts like the Special Military Operation in Ukraine underscores the politics and war-and-conflicts dynamics that govern its activities [3].
