The unusual history of North Korea's military ranks | NK News
NK News Logo
December 22, 2024

NK News is hiring

Evergreen

The unusual history of North Korea’s military ranks

The DPRK's original Soviet-style system survives in some parts of the country to this day

Armies usually have ranks. Colonels, lieutenants, and sergeants are generally perceived as a natural part of a military: such as, for example, divisions or squads.

Yet in the communist world it was not always so.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.