200 North Korean defectors currently living in South Korea have offered their military expertise to Ukraine, expressing their readiness to engage in “psychological warfare” against North Korean soldiers reportedly fighting alongside Russian forces.
Know North Korean Culture and Psychology
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the defectors, all former military personnel with between seven and ten years of experience, are prepared to confront troops from their homeland by using psychological tactics aimed at weakening morale among North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia.
The defectors stated their commitment to Ukraine’s cause, emphasizing their understanding of North Korean military culture and psychology, a knowledge they believe would be highly effective in counteracting the influence of North Korean soldiers on the Russian side.
“We are all military veterans who understand the culture and mindset of North Korean forces better than anyone else,” one of the defectors explained.
Their strategy includes broadcasting messages through loudspeakers, distributing informational leaflets, and potentially working as interpreters, aiming to erode the resolve of their former compatriots now aligned with Russia.
Submitted Official Request
The group has taken formal steps to support Ukraine by submitting an official request to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The appeal has garnered attention in international media, highlighting the complex global alliances influencing the war. Although Zelensky’s administration has yet to comment publicly on the offer, the request underscores the extensive support Ukraine has received from diverse groups worldwide.
This proposal comes at a time when Russia is reportedly bolstering its forces with thousands of North Korean soldiers through an alliance with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Such alliances add a complex layer to the war in Ukraine, indicating broader geopolitical maneuvers. For these defectors, the conflict presents an opportunity to stand against the authoritarian regime they once served by actively contributing to Ukraine’s resistance.
The World Food Program and other organizations in South Korea are closely monitoring the situation.
If accepted, this offer could deepen the psychological component of the conflict, potentially introducing a targeted psychological strategy on the battlefield, which would mark an unusual and symbolic development in the ongoing war.
