North Korea has summoned two additional security officers back to Pyongyang after earlier recalling Choi Song Chol, who faced accusations of abusing North Korean workers in Russia.
These officers allegedly engaged in corruption similar to Choi’s, including extorting money from workers under their supervision. Identified as Han Kwang Jin and Song Myong Nam, they became the latest security personnel withdrawn from overseas assignments.
In response, North Korean authorities have begun conducting unusual unofficial investigations among workers to prevent future incidents.
Despite their recall, these officers likely won’t receive significant punishment. Sources who spoke to Daily NK believe they will simply be reassigned to remote provincial locations to avoid attention. Officials appear reluctant to impose harsh penalties, as doing so would amount to admitting that North Korean security officers have been violating workers’ rights overseas.
After Daily NK published detailed reports on Choi Song Chol’s corrupt activities based on tips received early last year, the Ministry of State Security conducted an internal investigation but ultimately concluded that “Choi Song Chol is a good worker” rather than punishing him.
The ministry is considered the frontline defender of North Korea’s regime. In practice, security officers have focused on surveillance while demanding payments from workers. Choi represents one documented case among potentially many others.
The “reorganization of overseas workplace company control systems” directive issued by the ministry’s political bureau in late March focuses primarily on “restraining bribery and corrupt practices” rather than addressing North Korean workers’ rights.
North Korean workers sent overseas often endure difficult conditions in unfamiliar environments, separated from their families, without language skills or legal protections. Security officers like Choi hold significant authority over these workers in their assigned locations.
April 24, 2025 at 04:08AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)