Breaking: South Korean Intelligence Confirms Capture of Injured North Korean Soldier
SEOUL, Dec 27 — In a significant development, the largest South Korean news agency reported on Friday that the Republic of Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) has confirmed the capture of an injured North Korean soldier. The soldier, believed to be the first from the North Korean Army taken captive while fighting alongside Russian forces, was captured alive by Ukrainian special forces.
"The quick exchange of real-time information with our friendly intelligence agency allowed us to affirm the capture of an injured North Korean soldier. We will continue to closely monitor the situation," the NIS said in a statement, according to Yonhap News Agency.
First North Korean Soldier Captured by Ukrainian Forces
On Thursday evening, reports surfaced on social media, including from the Telegram channel "the_warshal18" and the Ukrainian military publication "Mil.in.ua," claiming that Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) had captured a North Korean soldier in the Kursk region. Images purportedly showing the captured soldier were also shared. While it was reported that the soldier was wounded, no further details on his condition were provided.
The captured North Korean soldier is believed to be part of a contingent of around 11,000 soldiers sent by Pyongyang to Russia, with some deployed to the Kursk region to fight against Ukrainian forces. This appears to be the first instance of a North Korean soldier being captured by Ukrainian forces, potentially adding a new dimension to the prisoner exchange dynamics in the conflict.
North Korean Soldiers Suffering Losses in Ukraine
South Korean intelligence has previously estimated that at least 100 North Korean soldiers stationed in Russia have been killed, and an additional 1,000 injured, while fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region. Earlier this month, the Ukrainian military reported significant losses inflicted on North Korean troops by SSO units.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian military sources have shared details and imagery of successful operations against North Korean troops. On December 23, the Ukrainian SSO reported liquidating 77 North Korean soldiers in three days, and on December 24, they displayed a captured North Korean soldier’s notebook. Just this week, the Ukrainian military intelligence again confirmed continued losses among North Korean troops in the Kursk region.
Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence has warned that North Korea may supply Russia with additional troops and drones, potentially increasing the magnitude of their involvement in the conflict.
As the situation evolves, eyes are on the captured North Korean soldier, who could provide valuable insights into their role and treatment in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. This developing story will continue to be monitored and reported as new information becomes available.
