The National Intelligence Service (NIS) analyzed that there were a total of 4,700 casualties among the North Korean troops deployed to Russia, including 600 deaths.
On this day, the NIS reported this at a closed meeting of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, as noted by People Power Party's Lee Seong-gwon and Democratic Party of Korea's Kim Byeong-ki. The NIS reported that North Korean troops had been deployed to Russia in two rounds, totaling 15,000.
The NIS noted that following the Russian military's recapture of most of the territory in the Kursk region of western Russia, where Ukrainian forces entered, hostilities have decreased since March. Although there are currently no visible movements for a third deployment, there is a possibility.
The NIS explained that the combat capability of the North Korean troops has significantly improved as they became accustomed to new equipment such as drones, reducing the initial immaturity of their deployment. However, incidences of local misconduct such as excessive drinking and theft among North Korean soldiers have also been reported due to the prolonged deployment.
The deceased North Korean soldiers were cremated in Kursk before being transported. The NIS stated that North Korea has received reconnaissance satellite launchers, technical advice, drone models, electronic warfare equipment, and SA-22 surface-to-air missiles from Russia in exchange for troop deployment and arms exports.
Additionally, while discussions are ongoing regarding industrial modernization in 14 institutional sectors, it has been determined that about 15,000 North Korean workers have been dispatched to Russia.