In a bizarre and unexpected consequence of Russia’s reported use of North Korean troops in Ukraine, soldiers from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) are said to be struggling with the freedom to access the internet without restrictions for the first time. According to a report by the Financial Times, this newfound freedom has exposed North Korean soldiers to a wide range of content they had never encountered back home, notably including adult websites.
The North Korean regime is known for its highly restrictive control over information, limiting citizens’ access to global news, social media, and other online content. Most people in North Korea have no internet access beyond a state-controlled intranet, and any outside material is strictly censored. This lack of exposure to the open internet has reportedly resulted in a significant cultural shock for soldiers deployed to Ukraine.
Reports suggest that many of these soldiers have been overwhelmed by the novelty of unfiltered information and, surprisingly, have developed a particular interest in adult websites. For these troops, who have lived under the DPRK’s tightly controlled information environment, this access represents a stark departure from their usual life experiences, leading to behaviors that may impact their operational focus.
Military analysts speculate that the Russian government’s choice to deploy North Korean soldiers to the conflict may be part of a larger strategy to bolster manpower without politically volatile domestic troop increases. However, the cultural clash resulting from internet exposure has highlighted unique challenges, as these troops appear to be dealing with issues far beyond conventional warfare.
This situation raises questions about discipline and morale within these foreign units and poses logistical and ethical dilemmas for both Russian and North Korean officials. It remains unclear if there will be attempts to restrict or monitor internet access for North Korean soldiers to prevent further issues.
The account from the Financial Times adds a peculiar dimension to the already complex dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and underscores the unforeseen social consequences of deploying foreign troops with vastly different backgrounds and restrictions.
