North Korean Soldiers Reportedly Gripped by Internet Addiction in Russia Deployment

In a surprising development from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, it has been reported that some North Korean soldiers deployed to assist Russian forces may be grappling with newfound internet freedoms. According to foreign affairs commentator Gideon Rachman, thousands of North Korean soldiers—allegedly sent by Pyongyang to support Russia’s military—are reportedly accessing the internet freely for the first time. As a result, these soldiers are said to be “gorging” on adult content, having lived in one of the most censored and restricted countries in the world.

North Korean soldiers in Russia internet addiction

This insight into the online habits of North Korean soldiers surfaced in a post by Rachman, who claimed the troops are consuming extensive amounts of adult content due to their unaccustomed access. While this unusual aspect of their deployment garners international attention, Pentagon officials, including Army Lt. Col. Charlie Dietz, have refrained from commenting on the soldiers’ internet activities, instead focusing on the broader implications of North Korea’s military involvement in the conflict.

Reports indicate that North Korea has sent an estimated 7,000-10,000 soldiers armed with assault rifles to assist Russia in Ukraine’s Kursk region. This military support is part of an emerging partnership between Moscow and Pyongyang, as both nations face heightened isolation from the West. Many of these soldiers, isolated from global media, may now encounter the internet’s vast and unrestricted content for the first time—a stark contrast to the strict media regulations back home.

While the international community’s focus remains on the strategic consequences of North Korea’s involvement, this human-interest angle has piqued curiosity, shedding light on how cultural isolation might influence behaviours in new environments.