North Korean official reveals conscription woes over drinks
A North Korean official from the military mobilisation department revealed details of compulsory military conscription while under the influence of alcohol. Following the deployment of troops to Ukraine, officials needed to address shortages in the army. Consequently, even individuals with conditions such as tuberculosis and vision impairments were enlisted.
An official from the military mobilisation department in North Hamgyong Province was dismissed after disclosing details of compulsory military conscription under the influence of alcohol. According to "Daily North Korea", the official had been instructed to recruit 500 volunteers for border posts. He claimed that he nearly lost his life trying to determine whom to enlist in the army. After drinking, he confessed that he had to enlist individuals with health issues.
The military authorities in North Hamgyong Province face the ongoing challenge of meeting recruitment quotas annually, often enlisting individuals who have not passed medical examinations. This year presented particular difficulties due to the involvement of North Korean troops in the war in Ukraine. Reportedly, around 11,000 soldiers were sent to assist Russia.
As a result, even individuals with health problems were enlisted in the army. The North Korean official disclosed that people who did not meet health standards were accepted, including those with vision impairments or illnesses like tuberculosis and hepatitis.
Following the disclosure of this information, superiors launched an investigation, discovering that the official had accepted bribes and alcohol from residents. He was dismissed on 13 March. Other department employees with connections to the dismissed man were advised to "keep their mouths shut."
— The primary reason for his dismissal wasn’t this, but rather his unauthorized disclosure of recruitment information and stoking residents’ fears that their children might be sent to war zones, as many soldiers have already been deployed to these conflict areas, — quotes an anonymous official from "Daily North Korea".
