North Korean Soldier Captured in Ukraine Seeks Normal Life in South Korea
A South Korean lawmaker disclosed that a North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine desires to live a normal life in South Korea. The soldier’s plea emerged during discussions about granting citizenship to North Korean troops. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon emphasized the constitutional rights of captured soldiers and the dire consequences they face if returned to North Korea.
On March 4, 2023, a South Korean lawmaker announced that a North Korean soldier, who was captured by Ukrainian forces, expressed a desire to lead a normal life in South Korea following Seoul’s commitment to offer citizenship to North Korean troops.
In January, the National Intelligence Service of South Korea confirmed the capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukraine, amid reports that an estimated 10,000 North Korean troops have been dispatched by leader Kim Jong Un to assist Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon stated that he met the two captured soldiers in a Ukrainian detention facility after making a request to the authorities in Kyiv. During a press conference, Mr. Yu conveyed that upon meeting the soldiers, he was moved by feelings of compassion and empathy.
One of the soldiers expressed a heartfelt wish to relocate to South Korea to reunite with his parents. The soldier inquired about the possibility of living freely in South Korea, reflecting a desire for rights, a home, and a family, which Mr. Yu shared newly obtained insights.
According to South Korean constitutional principles, all Koreans—including those from the North—are recognized as citizens, ensuring protection for any captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine. Mr. Yu emphasized that sending them back to North Korea would likely result in a death sentence, as North Korean troops are notoriously instructed to commit suicide rather than be taken captive.
He noted that during their conversations, the captured soldiers recounted witnessing several of their comrades take their own lives, which underscores the harrowing reality of their situation. Mr. Yu reiterated the importance of upholding the constitutional rights of these soldiers, affirming their recognition as South Korean citizens.
In contrast, the South Korean government previously expelled two North Korean men who were implicated in the murder of 16 crew members after they attempted to flee to South Korea. This marked the first occasion of a transfer back to North Korea since the Korean War, highlighting the complexities of North-South relations.
In summary, South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon revealed that a captured North Korean soldier wishes to experience a normal life in South Korea, including eventual reunification with his family. This situation reflects the South’s constitutional stance on North Korean citizens and raises significant concerns regarding the fate of these soldiers if returned to North Korea. The ongoing tensions and historical context surrounding North Korean defectors continue to influence South Korea’s policy decisions.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
