North Korea’s military forces are shrouded in mystery
Some shocking facts are starting to surface. From compulsory military service for all to dangerous conditions faced by soldiers, discover the harsh realities of life in the North Korean army.
North Korea’s military has long been an enigma, with rumours and scare stories circulating around the globe. Known for its secretive nature and harsh conditions, life in the North Korean army is far from ordinary. With compulsory service for both men and women, an enormous military budget, and even reports of cruel treatment, it’s no surprise that the country’s armed forces are subjects of fascination. But what’s it really like to serve in the North Korean military? Here are some unexpected facts about the regime’s army that may shock you.
1. Compulsory Military Service for Everyone
In North Korea, military service is not just a duty—it’s a requirement for all citizens. Both men and women are mandated to serve, with men required to serve for 10 years, while women must dedicate 7 years of their lives to the army. However, those who earn a university degree are allowed to serve for a shorter period, with men serving 5 years and women just 3 years. This commitment to military service contributes to North Korea having the largest army in the world relative to its population, with an impressive 47 active soldiers for every 1,000 people.
2. A Massive Paramilitary Force, Including Teenagers
North Korea doesn’t stop at its active-duty army. It also relies heavily on its paramilitary forces, including the Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Guards, which boasts between 1.5 to 6 million reservists. But it doesn’t end there—teenagers are also a part of the military system. The Red Youth Guards, formed in 1970, trains boys and girls aged 15 to 17 in military survival tactics for 10 to 15 days during summer, preparing them for conscription at the age of 18. These young recruits are expected to fight alongside the regular army in case of war, often thrust into battle with little training.
3. Unimaginable Nutrition Challenges for Soldiers
Imagine being trained to fight on little more than raw corn kernels and potatoes. For many North Korean soldiers, that’s their reality. Due to food shortages and economic difficulties, soldiers often go days without sufficient nourishment. The lack of proper nutrition has resulted in 2 out of 5 North Koreans being undernourished, which not only stunts their physical growth but also contributes to a lack of strength during training. Some soldiers are so weak they can barely walk, and many even pass away from hunger or related health issues.
4. Inadequate Uniforms and Equipment
While military uniforms are a symbol of pride in most countries, in North Korea, they are often a source of injury and discomfort. The boots worn by soldiers during the harsh winter months are thin and poorly insulated, offering little protection against the cold. Many soldiers report frostbite as a result of the inadequate footwear, and the boots tend to fall apart quickly, further adding to their misery.
5. Terrible Conditions for Female Soldiers
While women in the military are increasingly common around the world, North Korean women face even harsher conditions. Serving 7 years in the army, many female recruits fall victim to sexual violence and harassment. Senior officers are known to subject female soldiers to inappropriate touches, and many women suffer from malnutrition so severe that they skip their periods for years. This adds to their already dire living conditions, where they are forced to reuse sanitary pads or even go without them.
6. Landmines Used as Weapons Against South Korea
In a disturbing display of military aggression, it has been reported that North Korea’s army is ordered to throw landmines into the Yellow Sea, hoping they resurface in South Korea. These mines have been responsible for numerous accidents involving both locals and foreign tourists. Kim Jong Un’s regime reportedly targets American tourists with these dangerous tactics, and the total number of incidents involving these landmines exceeds 100 in 2017 alone. Such reckless behaviour highlights the cruelty and violence often associated with North Korea’s military strategies.
7. Brainwashing and Ideology Training
For North Korean soldiers, physical training is only part of their preparation. A significant portion of their time—around 60%—is spent learning the North Korean ideology that views the country as superior to all others. They are taught to believe that North Korea is constantly under threat and must be ready to defend the nation at all costs, even at the expense of their own lives. This heavy indoctrination turns soldiers into mindless supporters of the regime, willing to sacrifice everything for their leader, Kim Jong Un.
8. Military Hospitals Offer Little Help
If a North Korean soldier is injured, they are sent to a military hospital, but the conditions in these facilities are far from ideal. There is no free medication, and many soldiers are forced to pay for their own treatments. Even then, they often receive nothing more than alcohol applied to their injuries, which only intensifies the pain. If the injuries are severe, soldiers are simply sent home to recover, with no compensation for their families if they pass away.
9. A Soldier’s Personality is Often Changed Forever
Years of hardship, violence, and constant brainwashing take a toll on soldiers’ personalities. Many North Korean military personnel return home as entirely different people, having been transformed into cold, emotionless machines. This change often results in personality shifts that make it difficult for soldiers to reintegrate into normal society. Civilians are often fearful of any interaction with the military, given how these soldiers have been conditioned to be ruthless.
10. Escaping the Army is Nearly Impossible
Trying to escape from the North Korean army is incredibly dangerous. Those who attempt to defect often face severe punishment, not only for themselves but also for their families. The regime views defection as a stain on the country’s reputation, and any soldiers attempting to cross the Tumen River to flee abroad are usually caught and executed. Military officials who fail to prevent a soldier’s escape are also heavily punished. The risks associated with attempting to escape are too high for most, leading to a very low number of defectors.
11. North Korea Has a Surprising Number of Submarines
In terms of naval strength, North Korea has a formidable fleet of submarines, with an estimated 70 to 75 submarines, rivaling that of the United States. While most of these submarines are outdated Soviet-era models, they still pose a significant threat. One of Kim Jong Un’s personal nuclear submarines is reportedly a Yugoslavian model from the 1970s. These old submarines still pack a punch, adding another layer to North Korea’s military might.
12. Military Spending Takes Up Nearly Half of the Country’s Budget
One of the most startling facts about North Korea’s military is its immense budget. Experts estimate that as much as 38% of the country’s entire budget is spent on military expenditures. This is a staggering amount for a nation that is otherwise economically struggling, and it highlights the prioritisation of military strength above all else. Even though official reports claim it’s only about 15.8%, it’s widely believed that the actual figure is much higher, reflecting the regime’s obsession with military might.
