Russians, How Did They End Up Being Deployed to North Korea... "Deceived Drunkards into Forced Enlistment" [AK Radio]

Russia Finds Cheap North Korean Soldiers Attractive
North Korea Seeks New Breakthrough for Foreign Currency Earnings
China Tense Over Possible Rapid Changes in Northeast Asian Situation

As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its third year, both countries are facing severe manpower shortages. Consequently, both nations are actively encouraging their citizens to enlist in the military, while controversies have arisen over the use of illegal and unethical methods for forced conscription. In particular, recent reports of North Korean troops being dispatched to Russia have drawn international attention.

On the 15th, Ukrainian media outlet Kyiv Post reported that North Korea has sent over 10,000 soldiers to Russia, attracting global interest. According to the report, Russia plans to organize a battalion-sized unit of about 3,000 troops dispatched from North Korea. This unit, named the 'Bryat Special Battalion,' is expected to be formed under the 11th Air Assault Brigade.

Russia is aware that receiving troops from North Korea violates UN sanctions against North Korea and officially denies the reports, calling them "fake news from the Ukrainian side." However, various circumstances suggest that some level of troop deployment has already taken place. There is also speculation that the mutual military assistance agreement signed during President Putin's visit to North Korea in June was made with troop deployment in mind.

Experts point to Russia's severe manpower shortage as the reason for accepting North Korean troop deployment. According to reports from the Russian independent media outlet Meduza, the Russian government is using various illicit and illegal methods to forcibly enlist young men. Methods reportedly include approaching intoxicated men late at night to have them sign conscription consent forms, deceiving men who come to court to file for divorce into signing such forms, and even tricking foreign workers by promising permanent residency in exchange for signing conscription consent forms.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ukraine is also struggling with manpower shortages. A video that recently circulated on social media shocked the international community by showing recruitment officers forcibly dragging male spectators away in front of a popular Ukrainian rock band's concert venue. Similar forced conscriptions are reported to be occurring in front of well-known shopping centers and restaurants as well.

Ukraine's situation is considered even more severe than Russia's. Since the outbreak of the war, about 10 million people have fled abroad, with many men escaping conscription by fleeing the country. Currently, Ukraine is reportedly conscripting about 1 million troops under a national mobilization order, deploying 500,000 soldiers in rotation to the front lines.

In Russia's case, the war is defined as a "special military operation," and new recruits are being gathered through limited partial mobilization orders. This is analyzed as a political calculation by the Putin regime. If a full national mobilization order were declared, the children of the elite and upper-middle classes?key supporters of the Putin regime?would be conscripted en masse, and resulting casualties could lead to a decline in regime support.

Additionally, Russia's geopolitical position is a factor. With its vast territory spanning Europe and Asia, concentrating all troops on the Ukrainian front could weaken security in other border regions, especially the Far East bordering China. This is a significant consideration given that, although Russia and China maintain a superficially friendly relationship, they are not in a formal military alliance.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In this context, Russia's acceptance of North Korean troop deployment appears to be a strategic choice. North Korean soldiers are an attractive alternative for Russia due to their low labor costs and voluntary nature. Experts predict that this deployment will not be a one-time event but may expand in scale in the future. Some speculate that troop deployments could reach up to 100,000 soldiers.

From North Korea's perspective, this deployment could be an opportunity to overcome severe economic difficulties. They may receive financial compensation or resources such as oil and gas from Russia, serving as a means of earning foreign currency. Moreover, North Korea is not only dispatching personnel but also continuously supplying weapons and ammunition to Russia, using this as an opportunity to test the performance of these weapons in actual combat.

However, this military closeness between Russia and North Korea raises concerns about significant changes to the security landscape of Northeast Asia, including the Korean Peninsula. According to the mutual military assistance agreement signed during President Putin's visit to North Korea, there is a possibility of Russian military intervention in the Korean Peninsula in emergencies.

This situation poses a significant burden not only to the United States but also to China. From China's standpoint, if North Korea, backed by Russia, engages in more adventurous provocations, it could directly threaten the security of the Manchurian region and Beijing. Furthermore, deteriorating security conditions on the Korean Peninsula could provoke the United States and impact the US-China conflict surrounding the Taiwan Strait.

Especially with the upcoming US presidential election, there is speculation that North Korea may attempt various provocations to bring the US to the negotiating table. There are concerns that this process could lead to accidental localized conflicts or escalate into more serious situations.

Experts anticipate that the outcome of the Russia-Ukraine war will significantly influence the security landscape of Northeast Asia, including the Korean Peninsula. The situation could change dramatically depending on the results of the US presidential election scheduled for November this year, drawing attention from related countries.

The manpower shortages caused by the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war have expanded beyond the two countries' issues to involve North Korea's intervention and the resulting changes in Northeast Asian security dynamics. Given the complex intertwining of interests among neighboring countries surrounding the Korean Peninsula, careful observation and response to future developments will be necessary.

Editor's NoteThis content is also available as part of Asia Economy's economic podcast 'AK Radio.' AK Radio is a platform that provides investors with essential information on politics, economy, international affairs, technology, bio, and digital trends. Clicking the video play button within the article allows you to hear the reporter's actual voice. This article is a reorganization of the content broadcast on AK Radio through ChatGPT.