A South Korean lawmaker revealed that a North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine wishes for a “normal life” in South Korea, aiming to reunite with his family there. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon emphasized that returning these soldiers to North Korea poses significant dangers, as their military orders suggest they should commit suicide if captured. Under South Korean law, these soldiers are considered citizens and entitled to protection.
On March 4, a South Korean lawmaker announced that a North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine expressed a desire to lead a “normal life” in South Korea. This statement followed the South’s commitment to offer citizenship to North Korean troops. In January, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed that two of approximately 10,000 North Korean soldiers, allegedly sent by Kim Jong Un to support Russia, had been captured by Ukrainian forces.
Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon met with the two North Korean soldiers, currently held in Ukrainian custody, after receiving permission from Kyiv authorities. During a press conference, Mr. Yu shared that he felt deep compassion and empathy upon meeting these young prisoners. One soldier disclosed his wish to relocate to South Korea to reunite with his parents.
The soldier inquired whether he would be able to live freely in South Korea, enjoying his rights, owning a home, and starting a family. Under South Korean law, all Koreans are considered citizens, which includes individuals from the North. In February, officials emphasized that this status extends to North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine.
Mr. Yu stressed that returning the soldiers to North Korea would likely result in a death sentence, given that North Korean troops are reportedly instructed to commit suicide if captured. He recounted conversations with the soldiers, who revealed witnessing numerous suicides among their wounded comrades.
Consequently, Mr. Yu reiterated that even as prisoners of war, these North Korean soldiers must be treated as South Korean citizens and afforded the necessary protections. In a historical context, the South Korean government expelled two North Korean men in 2019, marking the first transfer back to the North since the Korean War, after they were found guilty of murder. There are images depicting the distress of one man during this handover.
In conclusion, the statements made by Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon highlight the humanitarian concerns surrounding North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine. Their desire for a normal life in South Korea underscores the potential for reunification with families and the necessity of protecting their rights as citizens under South Korean law. The situation reflects the complexity of inter-Korean relations and the repercussions faced by North Korean troops in conflict environments.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
