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North Korea has announced that 300,000 young people have volunteered to participate in flood recovery efforts, framing the mass mobilization as a testament to national unity. However, independent sources and defectors suggest that the majority of these volunteers were forcibly recruited, with the true number of willing participants likely being far lower, possibly fewer than 10,000.
North Korea has faced severe flooding caused by heavy rains, which have damaged critical infrastructure and displaced thousands. The regime, led by Kim Jong-un, has been eager to project an image of solidarity and self-reliance in the face of disaster. State-run media have highlighted stories of young North Koreans rushing to help, portraying them as examples of patriotic fervour.
However, human rights organizations and defectors with knowledge of the situation say that many of these volunteers were coerced into joining the recovery efforts. The regime has a long history of conscripting civilians for labour, often under the threat of punishment. These reports suggest that the majority of recruits were pressured by authorities, with families and local officials feeling obligated to meet quotas set by the government.
The actual number of voluntary participants is believed to be far lower than the regime’s claims. According to experts, fewer than 10,000 people may have signed up willingly, driven by loyalty to the regime or personal motivation. The discrepancy between the reported and actual figures underscores the opaque nature of the North Korean regime and its reliance on propaganda to maintain control.
North Korea’s use of forced labour in various sectors, including construction, agriculture, and disaster recovery. In the wake of the floods, the regime’s need for rapid recovery is likely contributing to increased pressure on citizens to participate in state-organized efforts.