North Korean Soldier Captured in Ukraine Desires Normal Life in South Korea
A South Korean lawmaker revealed that a North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine wishes to live a “normal life” in South Korea. This statement aligns with the South’s commitment to grant citizenship to captured North Korean troops. The lawmaker expressed the dire consequences these soldiers face if returned to North Korea, where they are ordered to commit suicide rather than be captured.
On March 4, a South Korean lawmaker reported that a North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine expressed a desire for a “normal life” in South Korea. This follows the South Korean government’s commitment to grant citizenship to North Korean troops. In January, the South’s National Intelligence Service revealed that Ukrainian forces had taken two of an estimated 10,000 North Korean soldiers sent to aid Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.
Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon met the captured soldiers, currently held in a Ukrainian detention facility, after receiving approval from Kyiv. During a press conference, he described the emotional impact of their meeting, highlighting feelings of empathy for the young soldiers. One soldier reportedly expressed a wish to relocate to South Korea to reunite with his family, inquiring about his future rights and opportunities in the country.
The South Korean Constitution considers all Koreans, including those from the North, as citizens. South Korean officials reiterated in February that this law applies to North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine. Yu cautioned that returning these soldiers to the North would likely lead to their death, as they are under orders to commit suicide rather than face capture.
Yu also mentioned that North Korean soldiers had witnessed suicides among their injured comrades. He emphasized the need to protect these soldiers in accordance with South Korean law, asserting their status as citizens. In contrast, the South Korean government had previously expelled two North Korean men in 2019 after they were implicated in the death of their crewmates, showcasing the complexities of handling such cases.
The article highlights a North Korean soldier’s plea for a future in South Korea, reflecting the broader implications of citizenship for captured troops. It raises important questions about human rights and the treatment of prisoners amidst ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The lawmaker’s accounts underscore the dire consequences North Korean soldiers face if returned to their homeland, reinforcing the moral and legal obligations of South Korea towards these individuals.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
