North Korea is still an independent sovereign entity, and the last thing they want is to let their troops be used by Russians in a shitty way.
… without proper compensation. I’m just guessing here, when I suspect that Russia has more USD in stock than the DPRK. But what I’m pretty certain of is, that the Kims would let you do anything to their people for the right amount of cash.
IDK what agreement Putin and Kim has, but if it in any way considers DPRK soldiers as something resembling living creatures, for other than pumping up compensation, then I’d be very surprised.
OK, sure, the ones that survive will have combat experience. But that’s not why they’re there.
Except the soldiers probably don’t realize that. On the other hand, if they don’t fight fiercely, or defect even, then their families are held responsible.