South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirms reports that Kim Jong-un’s battered forces have been off the frontline since mid-January

Summary

North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region in late 2024 have been withdrawn since mid-January after suffering heavy losses, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

About 300 North Koreans were killed and 2,700 wounded, with some captured soldiers unaware they were in combat.

The troops struggled with unfamiliar terrain and Ukrainian drone attacks. Pyongyang sent forces in exchange for Russian satellite technology and financial aid.

Analysts estimate casualty rates between 30–50%, making their deployment a costly gamble for North Korea.

    • SkyezOpen@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      7 hours ago

      I gotta ask though, what did Kim expect? Was he high on his own farts thinking they could actually stand up on a modern battlefield, or were they just to be thrown away for some Russian tech? In the latter case, Kim absolutely loves saber rattling, doesn’t his most elite troops getting absolutely shredded by Ukraine kind of destroy his strong guy image?

      I dunno, maybe a tankie will come in and tell me why it was actually a 500 iq play that my westoid brain can’t comprehend.