South Korean government has made it clear that it will accept all North Korean soldiers captured on the battlefield by Ukraine, emphasizing that they must not be forcibly repatriated to North Korea.
A Foreign Ministry official said on February 19, “Under our Constitution, North Korean soldiers are considered South Korean nationals. Respecting an individual’s free will regarding repatriation is in line with international law and customary practice. Moreover, individuals should not be sent back to a place where they face the risk of persecution against their will.”
The official added, “South Korean government’s fundamental policy is to accept all North Korean soldiers requesting to come to South Korea and to provide them with necessary protection and support in accordance with relevant laws.”
The ministry also confirmed that it has conveyed this position to the Ukrainian government and is continuing discussions regarding the soldiers’ potential transfer to South Korea.
The policy announcement comes after a North Korean soldier, identified only as Lee, who was captured by Ukrainian forces while wounded on the battlefield, expressed his intent to defect in an interview with South Korean media. “I plan to apply for refugee status and go to South Korea. If I apply for asylum, will South Korea accept me?” he asked.
Until now, the Foreign Ministry has maintained that captured North Korean soldiers are legally South Korean citizens and that it would discuss their status with Ukraine. However, the latest statement places greater emphasis on a “no forced repatriation” stance and the acceptance of all North Korean defectors. The shift suggests that Seoul is preparing for the reality of North Korean soldiers actively seeking asylum.
The Foreign Ministry also addressed concerns over media coverage that revealed the face of a captured North Korean soldier, cautioning against potential risks. “Under the Third Geneva Convention, prisoners of war must be treated humanely, and related media reports should be handled with caution,” the ministry said.
“We express concern and regret over the possibility that exposing the identity of the soldier could lead to disadvantages or harm to him and his family.”
BY HYUNJU PARK, YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
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