A large number of soldiers stationed in the frontlines have been deserting, creating an alarm even in the South.
According to South Korean government sources, the number of deserters in the Northern frontlines has increased by seven to eight times over the past few months.
The number has been rising sharply, particularly with the initiation of the Key Resolve military exercises of South Korea and the United States.
Most of the deserters are in the lower ranks and the sources said the reason is mostly because of the lack of food supplies.
It is also related to the fact that the soldiers have been engaging in military exercises through this time of the year which is unual.
The inside sources also said the military regime in North Korea has become increasingly concerned that the military readiness have slackened even as South Korea is continuing with its training with the United States.