By throwing in his lot with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and joining the war in Ukraine, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is taking on the biggest gamble of his leadership, say analysts.
With North Korea's economy facing immense difficulties, and growing civil unrest threatening his control of the regime, Mr Kim has calculated that joining the war would bring him more benefits than losses, said Dr Doo Jin-ho, who heads the global strategy division at the Korea Institute for Defence Analyses think-tank.
Evidence of North Korea sending more than 10,000 of its elite troops to Russia for war deployment started surfacing in mid-October, but Moscow and Pyongyang have thus far refused to confirm the deployment.
Pyongyang has also supplied eight million artillery shells and dozens of modern short-range ballistic missiles in the past year to bolster Russia's war efforts, said South Korean intelligence officials.
"Mr Kim does not have many cards left to put on a war (against South Korea) by himself. That is why he is fully vested in putting his troops to the Ukraine war," Dr Doo said at a briefing for foreign media in Seoul on Nov 13.
After supplying Russia with the shells and missiles, he said, North Korea "has virtually nothing left" in terms of conventional weapons, and is at its "weakest point". It is thus banking on Russia for a security umbrella and strategic defence deterrence, he added.
この記事は The Straits Times の November 15, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の November 15, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
On social media
K-pop star Lisa (right) from girl group Blackpink has become the first global cover star of Billboard.
Watch The Weeknd's new music video on Apple Vision Pro at Apple stores
The Weeknd fans in Singapore can watch his immersive music video for new song Open Hearts on Apple Vision Pro for free at Apple Stores in Jewel Changi Airport, Orchard Road and Marina Bay Sands.
Rapper Kanye West accused in lawsuit of saying Kim Kardashian has 'Jewish masters'
Kanye West frequently told employees that Jewish people were controlling the family of his ex-wife Kim Kardashian, according to a new lawsuit filed in California on Nov. 14.
Celine Dion takes the stage again at Elie Saab fashion show
Despite being diagnosed with a rare and painful autoimmune neurological disorder, Canadian music icon Celine Dion staged a triumphant performance with two hit songs at the 1001 Seasons Of Elie Saab event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Nov 13.
'I'm extremely hands-on': Actress Rebecca Lim enters her working mum era
Local actress Rebecca Lim has started a new chapter of her life: working mother.
Glitzy Zeekr 009 wows, mostly
Glitches aside, the electric people mover is impressive and brimming with technology
Premium electric SUV offers lots of cabin space, superior fit and finish, as well as respectable performance
The Polestar 3 has issues. Software issues, to be precise.
LA museum houses retired movie and Fl cars, electric and self-driving vehicles
When car buffs travel overseas, they often add to their itineraries visits to car factories or museums.
Why book reviews matter and in search of Colombian women's literature
Singapore Writers Festival 2024
FORM AND FUNCTION
This condominium in Bedok Reservoir Road needed only touch-ups, but the changes helped to blend functionality and aesthetics in the home