How an obscure Red Army unit became the cradle of the North Korean elite | NK News
NK News Logo
November 22, 2024
NK News is hiring
Evergreen

How an obscure Red Army unit became the cradle of the North Korean elite

Former members of the 88 brigade came to form much of the DPRK's top brass

One of the oldest theoretical concepts about the earlier history of North Korea is the division of its politicians into four factions.

The Soviet faction was composed of Koreans who lived in the USSR, so the theory goes, the Yan’an faction of those from China, the internal faction of Communists of colonial Korea, and the partisan one: members of Kim Il Sung’s unit.

Become a member for less
than $5.75 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • 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.