Some high-ranking North Korean military officials and troops deployed to Russia for the war in Ukraine might move to the frontline.
Briefing By Spy Agency
South Korean lawmakers said this on Tuesday after a briefing by the country’s spy agency.
The lawmakers did not give any timetable.
Confirmation By NATO
The comments have come around the time NATO has confirmed Pyongyang’s dispatch of troops to Russia.
NATO said that military units had been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region on the border with Ukraine.
Teaching Military Terminology To The North Koreans
The military in Russia was trying to teach military terminology to the North Koreans, Lee Seong-kweun, a member of a parliamentary intelligence committee, said during a press briefing.
“The Russian military was teaching the North Korean military some 100 Russian military terms such as ‘back to your position,’ ‘fire’ and ‘launch’…but the North Korean military was struggling (to understand),” added Lee.
He said that the spy agency was unclear whether communication issues would be resolved.
Another Military Reconnaissance Satellite
North Korea was also ready to launch another military reconnaissance satellite with the help of technological support from Moscow, lawmaker Park Sun-won said.
More Spy Satelites
Pyongyang has vowed to launch more spy satellites though its last attempt failed earlier this year when it exploded minutes after lift-off.
The spy agency was closely monitoring North Korean activities.
Possibility Of Nuclear Test
This includes the possibility of Pyongyang conducting its seventh nuclear test after the U.S. presidential election on November 5, Park said.
North Korean Workers In Russia
North Korea had also sent some 4,000 workers to Russia this year, according to the lawmakers attending the parliamentary intelligence committee hearing.
Kim Jong Un Empowering His Daughter
Kim Ju Ae, the daughter of leader Kim Jong Un, had seen her status partially elevated.
Lawmakers sais that Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of the North Korean leader, is guiding her.
More Security For Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong Un, who has made an increased number of public appearances this year, was also ramping up security around him.
This is because of concern about the possibility of assassination attempts, according to the lawmakers.
The North Korean regime was also taking steps aimed at shoring up Kim’s leadership.
A Role Model
It is doing so by ensuring that personnel sent overseas study his thinking and help build up an identity separate from his predecessors.
The Kim family dynasty that has ruled North Korea since its founding after World War II, has sought to strengthen its grip on power by building cults of personality around itself.