DPRK sends three generals to Russia

North Korea sent not only ordinary soldiers to Russia, but also three generals. One of them turned out to be the Deputy Chief of the DPRK General Staff.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Reuters.

Kim Yong Bok

According to Reuters, Kim Yong Bok is a senior general who commands the DPRK's special forces, including the elite 11th Army Corps, known as the “Assault Corps,” which could be sent to Russia.

Kim Yong-bok has already participated in seven events this year that were attended by dictator Kim Jong-un. These were, in particular, special forces exercises.

Michael Madden, an expert on North Korea's leadership at the US-based Stimson Center, also believes that General Kim Yong Bok went to Russia with DPRK soldiers.

“Kim Jong-un sent Kim Yong-bok as a proxy to make decisions until the DPRK unit's deployment is fully secured,” Madden said.

He admitted that Kim Yong Bok could then transfer command of the soldiers in Russia to an officer with the rank of senior colonel or major general.

Ri Chang Ho

Ri Chang Ho is a North Korean colonel general. He is also the Deputy Chief of the General Staff and Head of the DPRK's General Intelligence Bureau.

He is under South Korean sanctions because Seoul believes that the general oversaw major cyberattacks to steal technology and foreign currency.

Ri Chang-ho also accompanied leader Kim Jong-un to a large number of events this year, including an inspection of a naval base on the east coast.

Sin Kum Chol

Reuters writes that Sin Kum Chol is the head of the DPRK's General Operations Department. Details about his career are unknown.

At the same time, Madden suggested that Sin Kum Chol will be entrusted with the task of leading North Korean soldiers in Russia after Kim Yong Bok and Ri Chang Ho leave.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 01/11/2024