Kwak Yeon-soo is a digital editor at The Korea Times creating, editing and curating digital content for the newspaper’s website, mobile app and social media. She previously covered a diverse array of cultural, political and business topics.
Lawmaker calls for protection of N. Korean POWs in Ukraine from repatriation
Rep. Yu Yong-weon, center, of the ruling People Power Party speaks during a press conference at the National Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap
By Kwak Yeon-soo
One NK soldier surnamed Ri expresses desire to defect to South Korea
A South Korean lawmaker urged the government Tuesday to intensify efforts to ensure that North Korean soldiers captured as prisoners of war in Ukraine are not repatriated to North Korea against their will.
Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the ruling People Power Party (PPP), who met with North Korean POWs during his visit to Ukraine from Feb. 23 to 26, said a soldier identified only by his surname Ri expressed his desire to defect to South Korea.
Ri, 26, and another soldier, 21-year-old Baek, were captured on Jan. 9 in Russia’s Kursk region. They were among thousands of North Korean troops sent to the battlefields since October 2024 to support Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The two are currently held by Ukrainian forces in Kyiv.
“Ri’s intention to defect to South Korea was clear,” Yu said during a press conference Tuesday. “I hope diplomatic authorities do everything in their power to prevent unfortunate incidents of North Korean soldiers being forcibly repatriated to North Korea against their will.”
Yu released an audio clip of his 70-minute conversation with the soldiers. In the recording, Ri asks the lawmaker, “If I go to South Korea, will I be able to live as I wish with the rights I hope for? Will I be able to have a home and start a family?” He also said, “I really want to go so I can meet my parents.”
Ri, who suffered severe injuries to his jaw and right arm, also asked if he could receive surgery if he went to Seoul.
Meanwhile, Baek said he needed more time to think about defecting.
Asked whether North Korean soldiers were instructed to kill themselves if captured by Ukrainian troops, he said, “I’ve seen it many times. When I was injured and fell to the ground, I myself had a grenade for self-destruction.”
Baek explained that "being captured by the enemy is considered a betrayal to our own country."
A captured North Korean soldier is seen in this photo posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's X account, Jan. 12. Yonhap
The lawmaker confirmed that no additional North Korean soldiers have been captured by Ukrainian forces.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that it is willing to provide protection and support if the soldier wants to come to Seoul.
“Under the Constitution, North Korean soldiers are recognized as our nationals. Respecting an individual's free will in matters of prisoner repatriation aligns with international law and related practices,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong said during a regular press briefing on Tuesday.
“We have already conveyed our government’s position to the Ukrainian side and will continue necessary consultations.”
Experts said North Korean soldiers can seek asylum on humanitarian grounds.
“North Korean soldiers’ personal intentions appear to be the most important factor. If they express their desire to come to South Korea, the government can consult with Ukrainian authorities to ensure they are brought in line with international law,” said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification.
“The South Korean government may also work with third parties, such as U.N. agencies related to human rights, to ensure a smooth and legally compliant transfer," Hong added. "By doing so, South Korea and Ukraine can avoid potential issues, such as Russia filing a complaint with an international organization."