How is North Korea leveraging its military manpower in its relationship with Russia?

North Korea, as the most heavily militarized country in the world with approximately 30% of its population involved in military service (active, reserves, or paramilitary), is strategically using this manpower advantage in its relationship with Russia. Kim Jong Un has calculated that by supplying manpower to Russia, he can gain greater goodwill and access to more advanced technology. Similar to how North Korea has already fulfilled Russia's munitions needs, Kim appears to be positioning the country to meet Russia's manpower requirements, particularly for operations in Ukraine. This arrangement represents a calculated trade where North Korea effectively sells its abundant human resources in exchange for technological benefits, further cementing the growing alliance between the two nations.