National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong, right, heads to a closed-door briefing hosted by the parliamentary intelligence committee at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap

At least 100 North Korean soldiers deployed to fight against Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region have been killed, with nearly 1,000 reported injured, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) said, Thursday. This marks the first official confirmation from South Korea's intelligence agency regarding the scale of casualties among North Korean troops in Russia.

Rep. Lee Seong-kweun of the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and a member of the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, shared the details following a committee session with the NIS earlier in the day.

According to Lee, the NIS reported that about 11,000 North Korean troops stationed in the Kursk region were partially mobilized for active combat earlier this month. Within just one month of deployment, the fighting resulted in at least 100 deaths and around 1,000 injuries among these troops.

A presumed North Korean soldier is seen watching a lethal drone during combat with Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region. Image captured from a video released by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's X account

The NIS attributed the relatively high casualty rate among North Korean forces during their brief deployment to their role as "expendable frontline assault units" by Russia.

The severe losses suffered by North Korean forces were also largely attributed to their lack of experience with open-field combat and their inability to effectively counter drone attacks, both of which played a significant role in their high casualty rate, the agency noted.

"In Russia, complaints have emerged that North Korean troops' lack of knowledge about drones has become more of a burden than an asset," Rep. Lee said, adding that the NIS uncovered evidence suggesting that a drone training accident in Russia led to fatalities, including high-ranking officers.

The intelligence agency also stated that Russia and Ukraine are currently locked in intense clashes ahead of a potential peace negotiation anticipated following the launch of a second Trump administration. It further highlighted that the Kursk region has become the most intense battleground, driven by Russia's final offensive to recapture territory.

National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director Cho Tae-yong, second from left, sits with members of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee at the Assembly in Seoul, Thursday, before the closed-door session begins. Yonhap

Regarding the possibility of additional troop deployments, the lawmaker stated that while the scale has not yet been determined, the NIS reported indications of further North Korean troop mobilization. The NIS believes North Korea has the capacity for additional deployments. The Storm Corps, consisting of 10 brigades with 42,000 troops, has already deployed 11,000 soldiers.

"Rumors of additional troop mobilization are circulating within the Storm Corps, and signs have been detected of military preparations for a potential visit by Kim Jong-un to observe the training. The NIS is closely monitoring the possibility of further North Korean troop deployments," the lawmaker said, summarizing key points from the intelligence committee session.

He added that in exchange for Pyongyang's deployment, Russia is expected to offer compensation, such as the modernization of North Korea's conventional weapons.

In response to reports that Russian forces are burning the faces of deceased North Korean soldiers to prevent identification, the NIS said it is currently working to verify the claims. So far, Russia has maintained a position of not officially acknowledging the involvement of North Korean troops.