Click Here A former North Korean hacker speaks out
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Dec 5, 2025 In this compelling discussion, Kim Ji-min, a former North Korean IT operative and defector, shares his harrowing experiences of working under the regime's oppressive cyber operations. He reveals the strict military-like hierarchy and the psychological toll on workers, who are surveilled constantly. Bada Nam, from PS Corps, sheds light on how these workers are exploited overseas, with families held hostage to ensure compliance. The duo exposes the realities of life in dorms, the illegal nature of their tasks, and the ongoing pressures even after defection.
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Trained Abroad To Scam For The Regime
- Kim Ji-min described being part of a tightly controlled group of IT workers sent abroad to carry out scams for the regime.
- He said team leaders monitored everyone and failure meant being sent back to North Korea.
IT Work Is State Revenue, Not Innovation
- North Korean "IT workers" primarily build spyware, launder crypto, and infiltrate foreign companies rather than innovate.
- The regime treats their overseas work as a revenue export operation that generates hundreds of millions.
Dorm Life, Quotas, And Cut Of Earnings
- Workers lived in dorm-style housing under constant pressure and had monthly earning quotas to meet.
- If they hit quotas they kept maybe 20% while the rest was sent to the regime.