Kim Sends Teen Soldiers, Not Special Forces, as North Korea Joins Russia’s War Effort

As North Korea reportedly prepares to deploy troops to Russia, analysts suggest that these soldiers are not elite forces but instead newly conscripted “cannon fodder” in the early stages of their military service.

The Wall Street Journal reported that the North Korean troops dispatched are estimated to be recruits in their teens and twenties based on available footage and intelligence analysis. Military experts note that these soldiers appear relatively short and less physically fit, likely reflecting North Korea’s widespread poverty.

Initially, South Korean and Ukrainian authorities believed the deployed North Korean unit to be the 11th Corps, an elite force similar to South Korea’s Special Warfare Command. Also known as the “Storm Corps,” this North Korean unit is reputed for its specialization in sabotage and assassination. However, experts now suggest that these troops may be ill-suited for the trench warfare taking place on the plains of Ukraine and Russia, as they were likely trained primarily for assassination and infrastructure sabotage in mountainous terrain.

The deployed soldiers are thought to be inexperienced recruits who have never left North Korea and may only have experience with outdated conventional military equipment. However, North Korea’s decision to send these troops may be a calculated move. Analysts believe North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is using these young conscripts to gauge the reactions of neighboring countries, essentially testing the waters before committing more skilled forces.

James J.B. Park, a U.S. think tank Pacific Forum researcher, explained, “By sending expendable troops first, Chairman Kim can assess the internal reactions not only from Russia but also from neighboring countries.” This strategy could be a benchmark for sending more experienced soldiers if Russia requests additional troops or if Kim decides to strengthen North Korea-Russia cooperation through further deployments.

Experts also believe that these soldiers may serve as intelligence gatherers. Observing Russia’s tactics, including its use of drones and advanced weapons in the field, could provide valuable insights for North Korea, especially given that Russia is using North Korean weapons and missiles.

The exact role North Korean troops will play in the war remains unclear. Reports indicate they have not yet engaged in combat on the Kursk front. However, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, predictions suggest their actual deployment could happen as early as December 3.

Reports from The Kyiv Independent indicate that the troops are being transported toward the front lines in civilian trucks. If they enter combat, the Wall Street Journal suggests that they might be sent directly to “kill zones,” or areas considered annihilation areas. Russian soldiers on the front lines are often sent into combat zones indiscriminately, either to locate Ukrainian positions or to seize nearby areas. Ukrainian reconnaissance troops or drones kill most.

As these North Korean troops edge closer to direct involvement, analysts fear their deployment could inevitably escalate the conflict that has been ongoing for over two years.