North Koreans tell BBC they are being sent to work 'like slaves' in Russia

North Koreans are reportedly being exploited in Russia, facing slave-like conditions due to a labor shortage worsened by the conflict in Ukraine. Workers endure grueling schedules, unsafe working environments, and minimal pay under strict surveillance. Despite earning meager wages, most of their earnings are funneled back to North Korea as loyalty fees. Some workers manage to escape to Seoul during the chaos of the war, seeking better opportunities after witnessing the stark income disparities with workers from other regions.