North Korea’s Red Youth Guard training has once again drawn attention after a student suffered a severe injury without proper care. The girl, a second-year middle school student from Hamhung, injured her finger while cleaning a rifle during training. Moreover, she endured the entire camp without medical assistance, which led to a dangerous infection.
The camp provided no doctors or medical staff. As a result, her wound swelled and filled with pus during the training. Only after the program ended did she visit a hospital, but by then it was too late for effective treatment. Consequently, doctors now warn she may require amputation.
Reports indicate that the wound has become necrotic and remains inflamed. The hospital began antibiotics to prevent further spread. However, doctors explained that if healing does not progress, amputation could become unavoidable. In addition, the girl now shows symptoms of tetanus, forcing doctors to provide intensive care.
The student’s parents filed a petition with authorities. They argued that they entrusted their child to the Red Youth Guard training but received her back gravely injured. Furthermore, they demanded accountability for the lack of medical attention during the camp. Therefore, the case is fueling criticism inside the country.
The Red Youth Guard includes students aged 14 to 16 and operates as a youth paramilitary program. Camps run like military barracks, offering week-long sessions for advanced middle school students. Training includes drills, tactics, formations, and live weapons handling. However, the intensity mirrors actual military drills, leaving many students at risk of injury.
Despite these risks, most camps provide no medical personnel or adequate supplies. Injured students usually depend on their teachers, who offer only simple bandaging. In practice, this neglect leaves many children untreated for serious wounds. Moreover, families grow increasingly frustrated with the state’s disregard for youth health and safety.
The Hamhung case highlights deeper flaws in Red Youth Guard training. By forcing children into military-style drills, the state endangers them without preparing adequate support systems. Therefore, critics say the government uses children as reserve forces while failing to protect them.
In conclusion, the Red Youth Guard training exposes students to physical harm without proper safeguards. The Hamhung girl’s case illustrates the severe risks faced by participants. Moreover, it underscores growing anger over the government’s failure to balance training with medical responsibility.
