At least 100 North Korean soldiers deployed in Russia to fight against Ukraine have been killed, and more than 1,000 have been injured, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed on Dec. 19. Despite participating in a limited number of combats, the casualty count has been relatively high. The intelligence agency explained that “North Korean soldiers are being used as expendable frontline assault units.”
The NIS disclosed during a closed-door meeting with the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee that an estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers stationed in the Kursk region of Russia began participating in combat operations in December, according to Rep. Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party.
The casualty figures, which include injuries and deaths during combat and training, could be higher than reported, the NIS said. “The NIS casualty figures are based on data from multiple sources, including the Ukrainian intelligence agency,” Rep. Lee said. While the NIS conservatively estimated the death toll at 100, some foreign media reports suggest as many as 200 fatalities.
The NIS stated that North Korean forces suffered losses despite having participated in a limited number of combats because of their lack of experience with open-field combat. “North Korean troops are ill-suited for engagements in open terrain and are being used for frontline assault units,” the NIS explained. The Storm Corps, a North Korean unit specializing in rear infiltration missions, has struggled to adapt to open-field combat.
Military experts had previously warned of such an outcome. In October, South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency reported to the National Assembly that “units trained for rear infiltration missions may struggle in the open fields of Kursk.” The agency also reported that “The Russia-Ukraine war relies heavily on drone warfare, which poses a challenge to North Korean forces, as they lack both drone equipment and the training to counter them.”
The NIS also reiterated these concerns, stating, “The inability of North Korean troops to respond effectively to drone attacks has exacerbated their losses.” The intelligence agency added that even within the Russian military, frustration has been mounting over North Korean troops’ lack of knowledge on drone warfare, with reports describing them as “becoming more of a burden than an asset.” Footage released by Ukraine shows presumed North Korean soldiers in dark uniforms moving across snow-covered fields, only to be ambushed by drones.
The NIS also revealed evidence of casualties among high-ranking North Korean officers, possibly a general, in prior engagements involving Ukrainian missile and drone attacks, as well as training accidents.
North Korea may consider sending additional troops to Russia despite the casualties. “Rumors of further deployments are circulating within the Storm Corps, and there are indications that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may personally oversee training preparations,” the NIS said. The NIS assessed that North Korea has sufficient capacity to deploy more troops. The Storm Corps consists of 10 brigades and approximately 46,000 soldiers. “Even after accounting for the 11,000 troops already deployed, North Korea has the resources to send more,” the NIS reported.
