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Viral video purports to show a North Korean soldier in Russia watching risqué videos

Last week there were claims flying around from “a usually reliable source” that the North Korean soldiers who had arrived in Russia to assist with the war efforts in Ukraine had started “gorging on pornography.”

The uninhibited access to the internet was reportedly getting the best of them. The soldiers were logging hours and collecting a very different wartime story to take home to their buddies.

The story is about the power and beauty of an unconstrained version of the Internet. The Defense Ministry could not verify the Internet habits of North Korean soldiers.

“As entertaining as this sounds, I cannot confirm any North Korean Internet habits or virtual 'extracurricular activities' in Russia,” said Army Lt. Charlie Dietz, Defense Department spokesman, when asked.

“We are focusing on the more serious aspects of North Korea's involvement in Russia's military operations, if any. As for Internet access, this question is best addressed to Moscow. For now, our attention remains on supporting Ukraine and addressing the more important regional security concerns.”

It is understandable for the Ministry of Defense to continue to focus on the more serious aspects. Leave the search for evidence that North Korean troops are making the most of their internet access to social media.

North Korean soldiers are reportedly rampaging online

A video that has emerged is supposed to show exactly that. According to Newsweek, the clip was posted by a pro-Kiev Twitter account called MilitaryNewsUa.

The post has not been verified but purports to show a North Korean soldier watching women dance on social media. The clip's caption reads: “It is reported that the video shows a North Korean mercenary fighting on the side of the Russian Federation while watching dancing girls on social networks.”

As I suggested when I published the story, there will come a time when these allegations should be investigated by the Department of Defense. After all, every bit of intelligence is important.

Unhindered access to the Internet, coupled with the subsequent natural spread of pornography, could be the key to ending communism in North Korea. It should not be written off completely.