International
Kim Jong-un’s Actions Cannot Stifle North Korean Soldiers’ Desire for Freedom, Former Military Officer Claims
In recent developments, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has taken significant steps to undermine national unity, including the introduction of a controversial “Two Hostile States Theory.” This theory, which denies the possibility of reunification, has been enshrined in an amended constitution, further entrenching the regime’s division of the Korean Peninsula.
As a former military officer who defected to South Korea in 2020 after serving in Gangwon Province, I can attest to the harsh realities faced by North Korean soldiers under Kim’s rule. The regime’s attempt to “lock people up forever” not only reflects a betrayal of the values espoused by Kim’s predecessors but also exacerbates the suffering of the North Korean populace.
During my military service, I endured extreme food shortages and the daily struggle for survival. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in North Korea is widely known, with citizens facing dire food scarcity due to repeated floods and economic mismanagement. The military is no exception, where soldiers often receive inadequate rations consisting mostly of corn and wheat, sometimes amounting to just three or four spoonfuls per meal. Side dishes are limited to salted radishes and cabbage, leading to widespread malnutrition and a surge in illnesses, including hepatitis. Many soldiers experience declining health due to these insufficient diets.
Moreover, North Korean soldiers are subjected to severe conditions, often lacking adequate clothing. Over the course of their ten-year mandatory service, they are issued no more than three sets of uniforms, which often do not fit properly. The lack of proper clothing supplies forces many soldiers to resort to stealing civilian clothing just to survive. As a result, they frequently appear in a disheveled state, with some suffering from exposure and even death due to the extreme conditions.
The North Korean regime goes to great lengths to suppress information that contradicts its propaganda. Soldiers are taught to avoid anti-regime leaflets, which the government falsely claims are coated with poison. Nevertheless, the reality is that it is nearly impossible to completely shield them from the truth. During my service, I encountered such leaflets, which exposed the stark contrast between the luxurious lives of the Kim family and the harsh realities of the average North Korean citizen. This revelation fostered a sense of betrayal that permeated my worldview.
The younger generation of soldiers, particularly those born after 1990, often referred to as the “Jangmadang Generation,” has been shaped by the severe food crisis and the rise of unofficial markets. For these young soldiers, survival and hunger are paramount, leading to weaker loyalty towards the state.
In July, South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense resumed broadcasting anti-regime messages, resulting in at least one defection within a month. In response, North Korean authorities implemented desperate measures, including broadcasting distracting noises to counter these broadcasts and issuing earplugs to soldiers stationed at the front lines. They even resorted to sending “garbage balloons” southward as a misguided attempt to assert self-defense while blaming South Korea for escalating tensions. Despite these efforts, the truth remains evident to the Jangmadang Generation, who have taken to dancing to K-pop and embracing South Korean fashions, highlighting the ongoing cultural shift within North Korea.
Looking ahead, the Jangmadang Generation is poised to become a formidable force across all sectors of North Korean society. Kim Jong-un’s attempts to indoctrinate these young soldiers or stem the influx of South Korean culture into the military will likely be in vain. Many now regard the Jangmadang Generation as a “major opposition party” to the ruling Workers’ Party. It is essential to continue disseminating information about the Kim family’s opulence, the corruption among the elite, the disparities between life in North and South Korea, and potential escape routes for those seeking freedom.
As history has shown, just as East Germans dismantled the Berlin Wall, there will come a day when the yearning for freedom and resistance among North Korean soldiers will lead to the collapse of the walls that Kim Jong-un has meticulously constructed. The indomitable spirit of these young men and women will not be easily suppressed, heralding the possibility of a brighter future for all Koreans.
By Kim Min-hyuk, Former North Korean Military Officer
