Jin-su, a North Korean defector, exposed the underbelly of a secretive operation that has sent thousands like him abroad to work in IT roles for Western firms. Utilizing numerous fake identities, he managed to secure remote jobs across the US and Europe, amassing earnings of $5,000 monthly, which he stated was employed to sustain the North Korean regime. In his interview with the BBC, Jin-su talked about the oppressive conditions in North Korea, which pushed him to work abroad under harsh surveillance while funneling 85% of his income back home. The broader scheme, according to UN reports, potentially generates between $250 million to $600 million each year for North Korea, significantly escalating during the pandemic as remote work became more prevalent.
The clandestine activities involve the use of assumed identities to navigate extensive international sanctions while allowing North Korean IT professionals to tap into more lucrative Western salaries. Jin-su shared that he primarily targeted the US market due to its higher pay, noting that many employers unwittingly hired multiple North Koreans simultaneously, leading to chaotic recruitment processes for companies. His testimony is supported by additional accounts from other defectors who echo similar experiences within this network of deceit.
This growing problem has caught the attention of cybersecurity experts, many of whom have encountered suspicious candidates in their hiring processes. They often utilize modern technologies, like AI filters, to obscure their true identities during interviews. Meanwhile, Jin-su's journey highlights a rare opportunity for freedom for North Korean workers, who often remain confined to strict living and working conditions when abroad. Despite the risks surrounding defection, Jin-su managed to break free and now shares how his past illicit activities have shaped his present, as he adjusts to a more legitimate, yet lower-paying IT career, where he keeps what he earns.
