Over 100 North Korean soldiers have reportedly been killed since their deployment to support Russia in Ukraine, according to South Korean politician Lee Seong-kweun. The National Intelligence Service has indicated that injuries may approach 1,000, attributing high casualties to North Korean forces being employed as expendable units in unfamiliar combat conditions. This follows the implementation of a recent defense pact between North Korea and Russia, heightening military cooperation amid the ongoing conflict. Concerns have arisen regarding the effectiveness of North Korean troops against advanced Ukrainian strategies.