Experts analyze N. Korea's strategic move in acknowledging troop deployment to Russia

North Korea's confirmation of active combat duty by its soldiers in support of Russia against Ukraine has pundits pondering over the purpose of this public announcement made on the front page of its state-run daily.

Our correspondent Kim Jung-sil spoke to a few of them.

Just days after Russia confirmed North Korea's involvement, Pyongyang made its own public acknowledgment.

Experts say the move aligns with Moscow's victory narrative in recapturing the Kursk region and signals stronger ties between the two.

"Since President Putin publicly acknowledged the deployment on the 26th, this revelation from North Korea seems to have been made in coordination with Russia."

According to experts, Moscow and Pyongyang likely coordinated their messages to maximize their diplomatic impact.

With Russia declaring victory in Kursk, North Korea strategically positioned itself as a key player in this ongoing conflict — both militarily and diplomatically.

"North Korea is emphasizing its contribution to the victory, and by framing its involvement as a legitimate defensive action under the North Korea-Russia treaty, it is reinforcing its diplomatic standing and legitimacy."

The regime has also seized this moment to publicly address the deaths of North Korean soldiers deployed to Russia—a detail previously withheld from the public since their deployment last year.

"North Korea has been educating its people about the deployment, and, by promising compensation on a national scale, it seems to believe that any potential backlash can be effectively addressed."

Experts suggest Monday's announcement could also set the stage for a summit between Putin and Kim, ahead of Russia's Victory Day celebration next month.

However, they note that North Korea may prefer a bilateral meeting to avoid Kim being one of many leaders at a multilateral event.

Kim Jung-sil, Arirang News.