By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The BBC has learned that thousands of North Koreans are being sent to Russia to work in slave-like conditions, filling a labor shortage exacerbated by the ongoing war in Ukraine. These workers face abysmal working conditions, including long hours with little rest, minimal safety equipment, and constant surveillance by North Korean authorities. Many are confined to construction sites and subjected to punishing schedules, with a majority of their earnings sent directly to the North Korean state. Despite UN sanctions banning the use of North Korean labor, Moscow is increasingly relying on these workers.
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North Koreans tell BBC they are sent to work ‘like slaves’ in Russia, and frankly, it’s a story that cuts deep. Hearing these accounts brings a sense of dread. One construction worker, Tae, who managed to escape, described the physical toll, his hands seizing up each morning, a consequence of the relentless labor.
Another worker, Chan, painted a grim picture, recalling beatings for those who dared to rest or even briefly fall asleep. Professor Kang Dong-wan, who has extensively interviewed North Korean laborers in Russia, confirms the abysmal conditions. These workers are subjected to dangerous situations, working in darkness with minimal safety equipment.
The escapees’ stories unveil the reality of confinement and control. They are essentially imprisoned within the construction sites, constantly under the watchful eyes of North Korean state security agents. Their living quarters are described as filthy, overcrowded shipping containers, infested with bugs, or the floors of unfinished buildings, barely sheltered from the cold.
It’s hard to ignore the broader implications. The evidence suggests this has been a well-documented issue for years. It also shows how desperate Russia’s situation has become. Violating UN sanctions this blatantly suggests they are desperate. North Korea, meanwhile, gets to fund its nuclear program with what is essentially blood money.
The stark contrast between potential opportunities and the brutal reality is striking. Imagine volunteering for work hoping for a better life, only to discover that South Korean workers make significantly more for far less effort. It’s no wonder the moment when other workers call you “machines that can speak” finally breaks the propaganda bubble.
This situation highlights the depths of exploitation. Russia, seemingly out of manpower, appears to have opted for slavery. The fact that these workers might not even get paid after years of labor is a testament to the cruelty. It’s even stated that under Kim Jong Un, they’ve started to receive a fraction of their pay.
The situation becomes even more disheartening when considering the workers’ home situation. It is not much better. They are working as slaves both in their own country and in Russia. It begs the question of what future is ahead, and what will happen in the US, and should prompt introspection. The desperation is palpable.
Stories like these are not uncommon. They also come from elsewhere. North Korean workers have been exploited in various countries, including logging camps in Siberia. Some have suggested that China is involved. There are also those that suggest it has been going on since the late 1960s.
The situation, according to the BBC, has intelligence officials from South Korea pointing to Russia’s increasing reliance on these laborers. The question of escape arises, with some suggesting it might be easier outside of North Korea. And what is even more disturbing is that this is a tool to keep regimes in power or to fund a leader’s lifestyle.
In conclusion, the accounts of North Koreans sent to work in Russia paint a harrowing picture of exploitation. Their stories serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of political maneuvering and economic desperation, highlighting the urgency of addressing these issues and providing a voice for those who suffer in silence.