North Korean Soldier Captured by Ukraine Seeks Normal Life in South Korea

A South Korean lawmaker reported that a North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine wishes to live a ‘normal life’ in South Korea. This follows Seoul’s commitment to extending citizenship to captured troops from the North. The soldier’s desires and the potential consequences of repatriation highlight the humanitarian complexities in the ongoing conflict.

A South Korean lawmaker, Yu Yong-weon, stated on Tuesday that a North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine expressed a desire to lead a “normal life” in South Korea. This statement follows Seoul’s commitment to offer citizenship to any North Korean troops captured amid their ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In January, Seoul’s National Intelligence Service confirmed the capture of two North Korean soldiers, part of an estimated 10,000 deployed by Kim Jong Un to fight alongside Russian forces against Ukraine.

Lawmaker Yu, who met with the two captured soldiers after obtaining permission from Ukrainian authorities, described his emotional encounter during a recent press conference. He recounted that one of the soldiers communicated a wish to relocate to South Korea in hopes of reuniting with his parents. The soldier also inquired about the possibility of leading a fulfilled life with appropriate rights, owning a home, and starting a family in South Korea.

According to South Korean law, all Koreans, regardless of their origin, are considered citizens, and the government has reiterated that this status applies to any North Korean soldiers captured overseas. Yu highlighted the crucial nature of the situation, stating that returning these soldiers to North Korea would amount to a “death sentence.” He underscored the drastic measures North Korean soldiers are instructed to take, sharing reports that many witness their comrades resorting to suicide when faced with capture.

Yu further emphasized that even as prisoners of war, North Korean soldiers are entitled to protection as citizens of South Korea. He referenced a past incident in 2019 when two North Korean fishermen were expelled back to the North after being accused of murder. This marked the first transfer to North Korea since the Korean War, although subsequent footage revealed one individual resisting the handback.

In conclusion, the South Korean government’s commitment to extending citizenship to captured North Korean soldiers asserts a stance of compassion and obligation under the constitution. The emotional plea from the captured soldier for a peaceful existence in the South underscores the dire conditions faced by North Korean troops. Legislators such as Yu Yong-weon advocate for the humane treatment of these individuals, noting the grave consequences of returning them to their home country, thereby highlighting a complex geopolitical humanitarian dilemma.

Original Source: www.voanews.com