Yong Bok KIM

Function: Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army

Kim Yong Bok is the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army (KPA). According to Ukrainian and Republic of Korea authorities, he has recently been deployed to Russia alongside troops of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in support of Russia’s war of aggression, and is in charge of overseeing the deployment of DPRK troops in Russia. Kim is a three-star general, who has significant experience leading DPRK special forces also known as the 11th Corps. He appeared at at least seven events with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in 2024, indicating his prominent role in the DPRK military. Kim Yong Bok is therefore implementing and supporting actions undermining and threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.