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North Korean Special Forces Soldier Admits to Theft, Aiding Russian Troops; Details Emerge in Latest Transcript

In a recent revelation, the Special Operations Forces (SSO) have unveiled another segment from the translated notebook of Gyon Hong Jong, a North Korean special forces soldier neutralized in Russia’s Kursk region. The meticulous details provided in Jong’s own words paint a chilling picture of his actions and alleged remorse.

Source: SSO Press Service

Details: The soldier from North Korea confessed to looting Russian military personnel in the Kursk region and dealing the stolen goods.

This is the fifth disclosure from the captured notebook, continuing from the previous confession where Jong lamented about being sent to aid Russian troops against Ukraine’s security forces. Though professing remorse, Jong’s actions upon arrival in Russia suggested otherwise.

In his latest entry, Jong fails to specify what exactly he pilfered or in what quantities, but the essence of his words hints at exposure and regret:

"Monthly Life Report (Confession)

Respected Supreme Leader Kim (Jong-un) commanded us to uphold the honor of our nation while demonstrating the might and valor of our special forces.

While working at a military base, believing no one was watching, I took valuables from Russian personnel and hid them in my pocket.

I erred in disobeying our leader’s command and stole an item belonging to another country. This could have created severe repercussions for our superiors.

I vow never again to traffic in stolen goods. I will valiantly lead the charge and annihilate the enemy."

The SSO’s release of these transcripts serves as a stark reminder of the volatile geopolitical landscape and the personal stories entangled within. As Jong’s narrative continues to unfold, so too will the broader implications of his actions on the regional and global stage.

Originally published at Pravda.

New Light Shed on North Korean Defector‘s Journal: Planned Theft from Russian Soldier

The Special Operations Command (SOC) has revealed another excerpt from the translated diary of North Korean soldier Cho Hyun-chol, providing a disturbing account of his time in Russia. Cho, who defected to South Korea in 2017, documented his activities while in the Russian Far East, including a planned theft from a Russian soldier.

Cho’s diary entries do not specify what he stole or the quantity, but it’s believed he was caught, as he writes about being accused and accused of wrongdoing. Here’s an excerpt from the diary:

"Respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un ordered us not to disgrace our nation, but to show the power and courage of our special forces. While working in the barracks, I thought no one was watching and put some Russian soldiers’ items in my pocket."

Cho admits to disobeying Kim’s order and stealing from a foreign soldier. Such an action could have serious consequences for his commanders back in North Korea. However, he vows to make amends:

"I won’t trade in other people’s belongings again. I’ll bravely lead the charge and destroy our enemies."

The release of these excerpts sheds light on the inner workings of North Korean defectors and their insights into the regime’spolice state. As more excerpts are translated and released, they promise to offer valuable insights into the world’s most isolated and secretive regime.

North Korea‘s Gift to Russia: Koksan Self-Propelled Artillery Unveiled on Ukrainian Front

New footage from the frontline has emerged, revealing the presence of the North Korean-produced Koksan self-propelled artillery system. In the video, an occupier is heard stating that the weapon was a "gift from Kim Chol-eun" [Kim Jong-un].

The Koksan, with a 170mm caliber, boasts a range of up to 60 km for rocket projectiles and 40 km for fragmentation ones. rumble ,
// Prior to this, images of the Koksan’s transportation by railway into Russia had surfaced online several weeks ago.

Little is known about this self-propelled artillery system. Reports suggest it may have been developed based on German or Japanese technologies obtained by the Soviet Union and later transferred to North Korea. The Koksan made its debut at a North Korean military parade in 1985.

Earlier, Dialog.UA reported that North Korea was likely transferring KN-15 rocket complexes with a range of up to 2,000 km to Russia. Furthermore, we detailed how the North Korean regime had bolstered its support for the Russian invasion of conflict …”>Ukraine by dispatching a new batch of weapons.

The Koksan’s appearance on the Ukrainian frontline underscores North Korea’s increasingly supportive role in the ongoing conflict, escalating concerns about the potential impact on the regional balance of power.

Headline: Unveiled: Russia Deploying North Korean M-1978 Koksan Self-Propelled Guns in Ukraine War

Article:

The first visual evidence of North Korean M-1978 ‘Koksan’ self-propelled guns in action on the Russian-Ukrainian front has surfaced. Defense Express brought attention to the video circulating online, which clearly shows the North Korean artillery designs. "Gift from Kim Jong Un. Korean artillery," a voiceover on the video announces.

Rumors of Russia receiving these self-propelled guns have been circulating since October 2024. Previous photos have also emerged, depicting ‘Koksans’ being transported via railway through Russian territory.

M-1978 ‘Koksan’ Specifications

• North Korean self-propelled gun with a 170-mm caliber.
• Range: 40 km with standard ammunition, 60 km with guided projectiles.
• Low rate of fire: 1-2 rounds per 5 minutes.
• Lacks a protected turret, making it highly vulnerable to attack.

While the ‘Koksan’ lags behind modern artillery systems like Germany’s PzH 2000 in range and firepower, it fits Russia’s strategy of mass firepower over precision.

Ukraine’s Artillery Advancements
Ukrainian military personnel recently highlighted the advantages of their indigenous self-propelled howitzer, "Bohdana." Its advantages include high accuracy, mobility even in harsh terrains, and quick battlefield deployment.

Stay Informed:

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,043 – Al Jazeera”>Ukrainian Special Ops Neutralize 13 North Korean Soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Region

Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) have successfully neutralized 13 North Korean soldiers during a covert mission in Russia’s Kursk region, as reported by the Ukrainian Special Operations Command (SOC) press office. The operation, conducted by operators from the 8th Special Operations Regiment, was a strategic success, highlighting the proficiency of Ukrainian SOF in advanced combat techniques and intelligence gathering.

Mission Details

The elite Ukrainian operators employed a "two-pronged" approach to engage and eliminate the North Korean soldiers. They first neutralized five of the enemy combatants in direct fire engagements, demonstrating exceptional marksmanship and tactical awareness. Then, they utilized Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones to take out the remaining eight, showcasing their mastery of modern technology in warfare.

Intelligence Gathered

Post-engagement, the Ukrainian SOF conducted a thorough inspection of the fallen soldiers’ personal effects and documents. One of the deceased was found to possess an advanced Kalimator optical sight, a Chinese-Russian "Azart" radio station, a drone detector, and an atypical military ID, suggesting a higher rank or specialized role within the North Korean military. These findings could provide valuable intelligence insights for both Ukrainian and international forces.

The presence of a letter addressed to the party among the soldier’s belongings indicates potential ties to the highest echelons of North Korean power.

As the situation in Eastern Europe remains fluid, this operation serves as a stark reminder of the regional strategic landscape and the crucial role played by specialized forces in gathering intelligence and projecting power.

Headline: North Korean Soldiers Evict Russian Civilians, Using Homes as Cover on Ukrainian Soil

Article:

In a shocking turn of events, Ukrainian drones have captured footage of North Korean soldiers evicting local residents from their homes in the Kursk region, using the dwellings as makeshift shelters. The unsettling incident, which has been confirmed by multiple sources, underscores the expanding role of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the ongoing conflict.

The Ukrainian military, monitoring the actions of North Korean forces with drones, witnessed the evictions in the village of Mahновка (Mahnovka), Kursk region. Elderly locals were left out in the cold while their homes were appropriated as temporary refuge for the North Korean troops. The distressing scene was partially captured on video, shared by the Telegram channel "Ukraine 365."

‘War Crimes’ Alleged

International intelligence community InformNapalm received these verified details from Ukrainian troops operating on the Kursk front. The military confirmed that the evicted civilians were indeed North Korean soldiers, identifiable by distinct physical features and other intelligence data. It’s believed that the troops resorted to this tactic to avoid drone strikes, having suffered significant losses in the area.

President Zelensky earlier reported the killing of up to a battalion of North Korean and Russian marine forces in the Mahnovka region on January 3-4.

DPRK’s ‘Sacred War’

InformNapalm also highlighted the peculiar terminology used by Pyongyang to describe its involvement in the conflict: a "sacred military exercise." Families of fallen soldiers are reportedly required to sign non-disclosure agreements, raising concerns about the extent of DPRK’s participation and its coordination with Russian forces.

Previously, Ukrainian special forces had neutralized more than 10 North Korean soldiers in the region.

The humanitarian implications and potential war crimesnameless are grave. As the conflict continues to unfold, so too does the web of international involvement, with little regard for the suffering of civilian populations.

In a Major Setback, Russia and North Korea Lose a Battalion of Troops in Mahankova, Kursk Region

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported significant losses for the Russian and North Korean forces in the Mahankova area of Kursk, Russia. According to his latest address, the enemy has lost nearly a company strength of troops in this region within the past two days.

Mahankova, a small village in the Kursk region, has emerged as a critical hotspot in the ongoing conflict. President Zelensky detailed, "Today, I thoroughly discussed our military operations with the Supreme Commander, General Syrskyi. Intense fighting continues along the entire frontline, with the Pokrovske direction being particularly fierce. The occupier is suffering staggering casualties…"

A notable aspect of these recent development is the significant involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. As previously reported, Russia has been attempting to supplement its forces with foreign fighters, including soldiers from North Korea, Syria, and other countries.

Zelensky underscored the strategic importance of these losses, "The Supreme Commander also reported on the situation in the Kursk region, noting that in just the past two days, in the vicinity of just one village — Mahankova — the Russian army lost almost a company’s worth of North Korean and Russian paratroopers. This is a significant blow."

These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Russian forces in their attempts to gain ground in Ukraine. As the conflict continues, both sides are enduring heavy losses, underscoring the critical need for diplomacy and a ceasefire.

Sources:

• President Zelensky’s Evening Address

Ukraine President Zelensky Reports Major North Korean and Russian Military Losses in Kursk

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disclosed significant losses suffered by Russian military forces in the Kursk region. In a recent briefing, the President reported that the Russian army has sustained heavy casualties, including a substantial number of North Korean soldiers, in clashes near the village of Makhno.

"Our forces have made major strides in the last 48 hours," Zelensky said. "In particular, around Makhno village, we have inflicted considerable losses on the Russian army, which includes a significant number of North Korean troops."

Zelensky funerals the bravery and proficiency of Ukrainian forces, highlighting the contributions of the Special Operations Forces and the 80th separate airborne assault brigade. The President emphasized that these units played a crucial role in turning the tide of the ongoing conflict in Kursk.

Title: North Korea‘s Soldiers Fighting in Russia–War could come to an end in 2025 – BBC News”>Ukraine War Revealed: Notebook of Killed Special Forces Soldier Decoded

Article:

Special Forces soldiers from North Korea have been fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, according to decrypted notes from a fallen Pyongyang special forces soldier. The Korean People’s Army (KPA) soldier, identified as Gyon Hong Jong, was reportedly killed during clashes in the Kursk region. His notebook offers insights into the unusual alliance between North Korea and Russia, and the price North Korean soldiers are paying for their involvement in the war.

North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un, has reportedly dispatched soldiers to gain combat experience and ensure their battle readiness for potential future conflicts. "Even at the cost of their own lives, they are to serve the interests of the party and Kim Jong Un, demonstrating the regime’s disregard for its own military forces," a source from the Special Forces Operations (SFO) revealed.

Russia’s ally in the war against Ukraine, North Korea has ostensibly kept its troops’ involvement under wraps. However, the decrypted notebook of the deceased soldier provides a glimpse into the anti-imperialist and class struggle front he believed to be most critical. His entries highlight the importance of maintaining battle readiness and emphasizing the need for soldiers to be prepared to carry out any order, even at the cost of their own lives.

The soldier’s notes also stress the importance of transforming units into universal battalions capable of executing any mission. The entries highlight the intellectual rigor and ideological commitment of the North Korean military, even as they operate far from their home soil.

The SFO has released the fourth part of the decoded notebook, while other sensitive information remains classified. This is not the first time the SFO has shared such insights; earlier this year, RБК Ukraine published the third part of the soldier’s notebook.

North Korea’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war extends beyond artillery ammunition and ballistic missiles. In late 2024, it was revealed that Pyongyang had sent at least 10,000 soldiers to bolster Russian forces, particularly in the Kursk region. According to Ukraine’s military intelligence, these troops have suffered casualties while fighting Ukrainian forces.

To learn more about the impact of North Korean soldiers on the battlefield and the strategic reasoning behind their involvement, read RБК Ukraine’s comprehensive report.

Stay informed about the Russia-Ukraine war with the latest news and important updates on RБК Ukraine’s Telegram channel.

North Korean Soldier’s Diary Reveals Their Battle Cry Amid War Against Ukraine

In an intriguing development, a liquidated North Korean special forces soldier’s diary has offered insights into Pyongyang’s involvement in the Ukraine war, which Russia had instigated. The diary, penned by Gen ਹੁнг Hong Jong, a special tactic soldier in the Korean People’s Army (KPA), provides rare glimpses into the mindset and objectives of North Korean troops participating in a conflict far away from their homeland.

Battle-ready and Battle-hardened

Jong’s diary, published by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), revealed that North Korea’s primary goal in this foreign war is to prepare its soldiers for potential conflicts back home. The soldier emphasized the importance of battle-readiness, stating, "The most crucial task for our armed forces is to prepare for war. The battle cry ‘All strength to complete war preparedness!’ must be hoisted high on our banner, understood and executed by all levels of our armed forces."

Loyalty and Sacrifice

The diary also underscores the absolute loyalty expected from North Korean soldiers, with Jong writing, "Even if it means sacrificing our lives, we must carry out our tasks a thousand kilometers away from home, for the sake of the Party and Kim Jong Un’s cause." This emphasis on loyalty and sacrifice is a hallmark of North Korea’s military doctrine, with soldiers expected to put the needs of the state above their personal well-being.

Secrecy and Sensitivity

Some details in Jong’s diary remain redacted, marked as "highly sensitive and classified." This censorship is typical of North Korea’s tightly controlled information environment, where news and details about the military are heavily censored.

Previous Insights from "Sergeant Jong’s Notes"

Previously reported information from the same diary revealed that North Korea was deploying "elite soldiers" to the Ukraine war. Jong wrote that these soldiers were convinced they were defending their motherland and offered a chance to redeem themselves for previous transgressions.

Additionally, Jong’s diary provided insights into North Korean tactics, including instructions on how to lure and down Ukrainian drones using human decoys.

As the conflict in Ukraine unfolds, the revelations from Jong’s diary offer a fascinating perspective on North Korea’s involvement and its impact on the global geopolitical landscape. stay tuned for more updates as the story develops.