North Korean Parents Give Bribes to Keep Children From Military Enlistment

News Summary

With growing concerns about troop deployments to Russia, North Korean parents are frantically attempting to keep their children from joining the army before the country's spring draft.

Widespread alarm has been triggered by reports of North Korean troops being deployed to Russia, especially as some families receive death notifications for their enlisted children.

A resident of Pyongsong in their 50s recently contacted a military recruitment officer, offering $3,000 and Russian cigarettes. They argued that their son's poor health meant he "wouldn't last a month in the army" and requested a one-year deferment "for recovery." The timing implies a hope that Russian deployments will have concluded by then.

Commentary

This phenomenon illustrates the degree of instability that sending troops to Russia has triggered within North Korean society.

As more families learn about the deaths of their loved ones, public dissatisfaction is likely to increase, posing a significant challenge to the Kim regime's narrative and causing social unrest.

In addition, the financial strain on families trying to keep their children from being drafted by paying bribes for deferment, might worsen economic disparities and increase resentment toward the regime.

Kim Jong Un might believe the deployment of troops to Russia has brought immediate benefits to his regime, but in truth, it poses significant risks that could destabilize North Korean society and possibly result in the regime's downfall if not carefully managed.