Ukraine and South Korea Negotiations on North Korean Soldier Repatriation
South Korea and Ukraine are negotiating the potential repatriation of captured North Korean soldiers. South Korea is willing to accept two POWs, but none have requested transfer so far. The captured soldiers, affiliated with North Korea’s military intelligence, provided information revealing their unit connections in recent interviews.
Discussions between South Korea and Ukraine revolve around the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. These talks were confirmed by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul communicated with Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha, indicating that South Korea is prepared to accept two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) should they wish to go to South Korea. Reports of these consultations first surfaced in January 2025.
South Korea’s constitution recognizes the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, thus regarding all North Korean residents as South Korean citizens. Interestingly, none of the captured soldiers have so far expressed a desire to transfer to South Korea, indicating potential complexities in their decisions.
On February 19, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo published interviews with two captured North Korean soldiers, identified as Ri, a 26-year-old sniper-reconnaissance officer, and Baek, a 21-year-old rifleman. Both soldiers confirmed their affiliation with the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB), North Korea’s military intelligence agency, which operates under the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army. Their exact unit status remains unclear, but the RGB encompasses various intelligence units possibly impacted by military reforms during the conflict in the Kursk oblast.
The discussions between South Korea and Ukraine concerning the repatriation of North Korean soldiers highlight complex geopolitical and humanitarian considerations. While South Korea expresses readiness to accept the prisoners, no individuals have opted for repatriation as of yet. The insights gained from the interviews with the captured soldiers add context to their military affiliations and roles, further complicating the situation.
Original Source: mil.in.ua
