This is The Guardian.

Today, what North Korean troops are doing in Ukraine and what Kim Jong-un is getting out of it.

Hey, it's Adam Grant from Worklife, a podcast from TED.

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My name is Hjansung Lee.

I'm a former North Korean soldier.

Here's a voice you don't often get to hear.

My role was to infiltrate enemy lines and locate key targets,

such as enemy artillery units, supply lines, and commander posts. Like all North Korean men,

Hjong was conscripted into the army aged just 17. The lengths varies, but it's typically

seven to ten years for male and then 5 to 7 years for female.

Life as a soldier was hard.

Living conditions for ordinary soldiers are very poor.

Meals like basic and 70% of coin and 30% of white rice.

...