＜Inside N.Korea＞ Total War Is Impossible for N.Korean Army

2017.05.11

Almost impossible for a full scale war for the People’s Army

As the North Koreans themselves believe that their military can’t wage a full scale war, paradoxically, they feel less strain on the possibility of war. ASIAPRESS periodicallyreceives reports from the reporting partners; the first thing they mention is the worsening nutrition of the soldiers as well as the poor condition of the equipments.

“The homecomers due to malnutrition from the military are increased notably this year. Three soldiers came home nearby. One of them says that he would die at the side of his parents rather than dying by starvation. He says he can’t endure the military life any longer.” (A worker on the phone on April 19)

“The military should still use charcoal engine car due to the shortage of oil.” (Ex-soldier on the phone on April 20)

The malnutrition of the People’s Army has been gradually common from 20 years ago. The number of soldiers is around 1 million which accounts 5% of the total population. The regime can’t afford to feed that large number of soldiers due to its poor financial capacity. Furthermore, embezzlements are so widespread among the officers that the rations are in short for the lower ranks.

A self-contempt joke is popular: “They have another secret military for real war!”

Kim Jong-un regime has skillfully used the images of missile launching or valiant military parade to propagate it as a “military power.” It is needed to see the reality of the People’s Army objectively. The nuclear and missiles are intimidating though. (ISHIMARU Jiro)

*A US vessel ‘Pueblo’ was attacked and captured in January 1968, having left one dead and 82 arrested. The US sent an aircraft carrier to put pressure on North Korea for the release of its crew. But the leader, Kim Il-sung refused. The tension escalated. Eventually, the US apologized and the crew were released.

Two American soldiers were killed by North Korean soldiers while they were pruning trees at the Joint Security Area of Panmunjom in the demilitarized zone. The US Forces dispatched an aircraft carrier and cut the trees. Kim Il-sung expressed regrets, which prevented further confrontation.

The Clinton administration of the US established a limited bombing campaign on the nuclear facility in Yongbyon of North Korea in May-June 1994. Then the President of South Korea, Kim Young-sam relentlessly opposed the bombing. The bombing was halted as Kim Il-sung expressed the nuclear freeze to the Ex-American President Jimmy Carter. A kidnapping victim, Hasuike Kaoru wrote in his book ‘Kidnap and Resolution’: They had tensely lived in fear of war as the blackouts were imposed in Pyongyang at that time.

* Editor’s notes on North Korean reporters
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