Recent reports from South Korean intelligence indicate that North Korean soldiers deployed in Ukraine are facing extreme pressure to take their own lives rather than be captured by enemy forces. This unsettling information was disclosed by Lee Seong-kweun, a member of the ruling People Power Party, following a closed-door briefing with the National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea. According to the intelligence agency, approximately 300 North Korean soldiers have died at the frontlines in Ukraine, with around 2,700 others reported injured. The NIS estimates that about 10,000 North Korean troops have been engaged alongside Russian forces in Ukraine since at least October. In recent weeks, two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of western Russia. Ukrainian intelligence services published images of these soldiers, who were found injured and bandaged--one lying in a bed and the other unable to speak. They have since been moved to Kyiv for further interrogation. During the briefing, the NIS confirmed its involvement in the interrogation process, noting that the captured soldiers did not express any desire to resettle in South Korea, based on testimonies from attending legislators. The situation has raised alarms in Ukraine, where officials see the presence of North Korean troops as undeniable evidence of North Korea's support for Russia in the ongoing conflict. Both Russia and North Korea have not publicly acknowledged this collaboration, despite a mutual defense agreement established between the two nations in June. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the significance of the captures, stating that it is typically challenging to secure evidence of direct involvement from foreign military personnel, as Russian and North Korean forces often execute their wounded to erase any traces of foreign participation. The capture of North Korean soldiers has provided the first direct insight into their military capabilities in decades, as they have not participated in an international conflict since sending troops to Vietnam between 1964 and 1973. This involvement in Ukraine presents a unique opportunity to understand their combat strategies and responses when faced with capture. The NIS attributed the significant casualties among North Korean soldiers to their apparent lack of understanding of modern warfare, which includes ineffective tactics such as targeting long-range drones. This assessment was drawn from an analysis of combat footage recently obtained by the agency. In a recent engagement involving Ukrainian special operations forces in the Kursk region, reports indicated that 17 North Korean soldiers were killed. The following day, a surviving soldier attempted to detonate a grenade in a desperate attempt to evade capture but ultimately died without causing injuries to Ukrainian troops. Among the captured soldiers, one expressed a desire to return to North Korea, while the other indicated a preference to stay in Ukraine. One soldier was found with Russian-style documentation belonging to another individual, while the other had no identification. Their statements suggest they were misled about their deployment, believing they were sent for training rather than direct combat. President Zelensky stated that he is open to facilitating their return to North Korea if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un can arrange a prisoner exchange involving Ukrainian soldiers held in Russia. He also mentioned potential alternatives for North Koreans who wish to promote peace by sharing truths about the war back home. The NIS estimates that both captured soldiers are affiliated with the General Reconnaissance Bureau, a critical agency within North Korea's military intelligence. The participation of North Korean troops in the conflict has been labeled as a significant escalation in the war from a Western perspective, with concerns about their acquisition of modern military tactics and technology from Russia. Observers are also wary of the potential implications of North Korean involvement, particularly as the political landscape could shift with the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20. The NIS has indicated that Trump may seek renewed dialogue with Kim Jong-un, viewing their past summits as notable achievements during his first term. The outcome of such engagements could influence the dynamics of the conflict further.