• Approximately 600 North Korean soldiers killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
• Total North Korean casualties estimated at about 4,700, including injuries.
• This marks North Korea's first official acknowledgment of troop deployment in Ukraine.

According to South Korean lawmakers, around 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed while fighting alongside Russian forces against Ukraine. This figure was reported following a closed-door briefing from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), which also indicated total casualties have reached approximately 4,700, combining both deaths and injuries, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, India Times, Channel News Asia, and Newsweek.

The NIS briefing, led by MP Lee Seong-kweun, stated that my January, the figure of North Korean troop deaths had been estimated at 300, which has since doubled as conflict has escalated. During the briefing, it was revealed that North Korea confirmed troop deployment for the first time on Monday, aiming to assist Russia in reclaiming territory in the Kursk region from Ukrainian control. This deployment has reportedly been facilitated by North Korea's military cooperation with Moscow, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, India Times, Channel News Asia, and TRT Global.

In addition, it was reported that about 2,000 injured North Korean soldiers have been repatriated to North Korea since the conflict began. Reports indicate that fallen soldiers were cremated in Russia prior to the return of their remains to North Korea. The cooperation between North Korea and Russia has been escalating since the start of the Ukraine conflict, with further military assistance believed to be exchanged alongside troop deployments, as noted by Reuters, Al Jazeera, India Times, Channel News Asia, TRT Global, and Newsweek.