North Korea Mandates Russian Language in Schools Amid Strengthening Ties with Russia

North Korea has officially made the Russian language a compulsory subject in schools, starting from the fourth grade. This development was announced by Alexander Kozlov, Russia's Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, during a meeting of the intergovernmental commission in Moscow. Kozlov noted that Russian is among the most popular foreign languages in North Korea, with approximately 600 students currently studying it.

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The introduction of Russian language education coincides with a broader trend of increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, particularly following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Both nations have faced growing isolation from the West, prompting them to deepen their political, military, and economic ties. North Korea has reportedly supplied weapons to Russia and sent troops to support its military efforts in Ukraine.

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Kozlov highlighted that the two countries are not only enhancing language education but are also collaborating in various professional fields. In the previous academic year, 96 North Korean students enrolled in Russian universities, with many studying at institutions such as Far Eastern Federal University and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations. Additionally, North Korea has about 600 specialists in the Russian language, and a center for Russian-language education is planned to be established at Kim Chol Junior Normal University.

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The mandatory introduction of Russian in North Korean schools reflects a significant shift in educational policy and cultural exchange between the two nations. This move is seen as part of a larger strategy to strengthen bilateral relations amid geopolitical tensions. Analysts have raised concerns about the implications of this educational collaboration, suggesting it may serve as a means for Russia to exert influence over North Korea.

While the North Korean government has not officially commented on the implementation timeline for the new language requirement, the lack of clarity raises questions about the practical aspects of this educational policy. Critics may argue that this shift could further entrench North Korea's dependence on Russia, potentially limiting its sovereignty in educational matters.

North Korea has introduced Russian as a compulsory subject in schools

Kozlov's remarks indicate a commitment to fostering closer ties between the two nations, stating, "Russian has been introduced in DPRK schools as a mandatory language for study from the fourth grade." He also mentioned the ongoing cooperation in training professionals in sectors such as banking, energy, and medicine, emphasizing the strategic nature of these educational exchanges.

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There is currently no confirmation from North Korean authorities regarding when the compulsory Russian language lessons will commence. Additionally, while Kozlov provided statistics on North Korean students studying in Russia, the exact number of students affected by the new policy remains unclear.

Moscow TimesNorth Korea Made Russian Language Mandatory in SchoolsUnited24 MediaNorth Korea Makes Russian Language Mandatory in Schools, Official Claims

• “I know that Russian has been introduced in schools in [North Korea] as a compulsory language for learning from the fourth grade.” — Alexander Kozlov, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Russia

North Korea Makes Russian Language Mandatory in Schools, Official Claims

• “About 100 North Korean Students Enrolled in Russian Universities” — Alexander Kozlov

This educational policy marks a notable development in the evolving relationship between North Korea and Russia, reflecting their mutual interests in navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

North Korea Makes Russian Language Mandatory in Schools, Official Claims