North Korea has reportedly sent Colonel-General Kim Yong Bok, a prominent military figure, to oversee its forces in Russia. According to The Wall Street Journal, Kim is among the top ten most influential military leaders in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and a close aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
A Mysterious Figure Emerges
Colonel-General Kim Yong Bok has historically remained out of the public eye. His role as the head of North Korea’s special forces necessitated a low profile, ensuring his identity and operations remained concealed. However, recent developments have placed him in the international spotlight.
Reports indicate that over 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia to support Moscow’s efforts to repel Ukrainian forces that have reportedly reclaimed parts of Russian territory. Kim is now the highest-ranking North Korean military official stationed in Russia.
Purpose of the Deployment
Officials in Kyiv and Seoul have confirmed Kim’s presence in Russia. His primary objectives reportedly include integrating North Korean forces with Russian units, gaining combat experience to bring back to Pyongyang, and preparing for future military deployments.
While it is unlikely that Kim himself will engage directly in combat, his deployment demonstrates Pyongyang’s commitment to supporting Russia’s military efforts. The collaboration appears to be a result of strengthened ties between the two nations following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June. This visit resulted in a mutual defence pact between North Korea and Russia, marking a significant step in their military cooperation.
North Korean Forces in Russia
Kim’s deployment aligns with a broader strategy of sending experienced military personnel to Russia. Sources suggest that around 500 North Korean officers are currently stationed there. These officers are expected to coordinate with Russian counterparts and participate in joint military training exercises.
The choice of Kim for this mission highlights his importance within North Korea’s military hierarchy. In March, intelligence reports identified him as the third-ranking figure in the DPRK’s armed forces. Despite his prominence, little is known about his background, including his age or place of birth.
Kim’s Role in North Korea
Colonel-General Kim has previously played a significant role within the inner circle of Kim Jong Un. State media in North Korea have documented his involvement in inspecting disaster-stricken areas, observing special forces training, and attending artillery drills.
The last mention of Kim in North Korean media was on 6 October. Days later, he reportedly departed for Russia alongside the first wave of North Korean troops. His career has largely been shrouded in secrecy, with limited information available in government databases or intelligence reports.
