Kim Jong Un’s Trusted Generals Deployed as 5,000 North Korean Troops Gather in Kursk

Reports indicate that North Korean troops deployed to Russia are gathering in large numbers in the western Kursk region, a key battleground. Analysts suggest that the deployment of North Korean special forces could potentially alter the dynamics of the conflict.

The New York Times reported, citing U.S. officials, that elite North Korean troops began arriving in the Kursk region on October 23 and are expected to take part in a counteroffensive aimed at pushing Ukrainian forces back. While opinions vary regarding the scale of the deployment, initial reports suggest that thousands of North Korean troops were transported from Vladivostok via Russian military aircraft.

At this point, it remains unclear what specific role the North Korean troops will assume, as they have not yet been deployed to the front lines. However, if they do engage, it could lead to a significant increase in military presence in that area, with a strong likelihood that they will focus on occupying Ukrainian territory. A senior Ukrainian official indicated, “Expectedly, around 5,000 North Korean troops will be mobilized in the Kursk region by October 28.” Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced via Telegram that North Korean forces are anticipated to be deployed to combat zones on Sunday or Monday.

Reports also confirm that Kim Young Bok, Vice Chief of the Korean People’s Army General Staff and a close associate of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is among those deployed to Russia. Japan’s Kyodo News, citing sources within the Ukrainian military, revealed that Ukrainian authorities obtained a list of North Korean military officers sent to Russia, with Kim Young Bok’s name listed first. He is believed to have entered Russia as the overall commander of the North Korean units during this deployment. Experts interpret Kim Jong Un’s decision to place a trusted aide in charge of the Russian contingent as a clear signal of North Korea’s intention to engage deeply in the Ukraine conflict, thereby accelerating military cooperation between North Korea and Russia.

While there are varying opinions on North Korea’s military capabilities—citing issues such as outdated weaponry and insufficient supplies—analysts highlight that the country’s 200,000-strong special forces could be a valuable asset in combat. The Times noted that the KPA of North Korea is the world’s fourth-largest army, with 1.3 million soldiers and 7.6 million reservists, but lacks adequate equipment for its size. Nonetheless, the newspaper emphasized the critical role of its special forces. The Times implied North Korea’s potential to influence the outcome of the war, suggesting that their special forces operatives could be particularly advantageous for Russia, and they are capable of parachuting in or infiltrating via submarines behind enemy lines, targeting ports, airports, and nuclear power plants, and instilling fear among civilians. Furthermore, it warned that up to 3,000 cyber operatives from North Korea’s Reconnaissance General Bureau could conduct cyberattacks to disrupt power facilities and weapon systems or interfere with GPS.

In a related development, Ukrainian authorities reportedly plan to distribute leaflets in Korean to actively encourage North Korean soldiers to defect if they engage in combat against Ukrainian forces. According to Kyodo News, an official from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (GUR) stated that given that North Korean soldiers are under the oppressive thumb of a dictatorial regime, this deployment represents a significant opportunity for them to escape their homeland. The official added that while there is a need to investigate potential war crimes committed by North Korean soldiers during combat, there may be opportunities to protect them as defectors once the conflict with Russia concludes.