Captured North Korean Soldier Seeks Normal Life in South Korea

A South Korean lawmaker reported that a North Korean prisoner of war captured in Ukraine desires to live an ordinary life in South Korea. Two North Korean soldiers are currently detained in Ukraine, with discussions surrounding their potential citizenship and rights in South Korea due to constitutional protections. The lawmaker highlighted the risks of repatriation to North Korea, where capture could lead to severe repercussions.

On March 4, a South Korean lawmaker, Yu Yong-weon, announced that a North Korean soldier detained by Ukraine expressed a desire for a “normal life” in South Korea. This development follows South Korea’s pledge to grant citizenship to North Korean troops, with the National Intelligence Service confirming two soldiers have been captured by Ukraine amidst their conflict with Russia.

Lawmaker Yu had the opportunity to meet the two North Korean soldiers in a Ukrainian detention facility and shared his emotional response during a press conference. He recounted that one soldier conveyed a longing to reunite with his parents in South Korea and raised concerns about living with rights and starting a family in the South.

Under South Korean law, all Koreans, including those from the North, are recognized as citizens, a status that also extends to captured soldiers. Given the dangers of returning North, where capture is reportedly punishable by death, Yu emphasized the need for the humane treatment of these soldiers, who have been instructed to commit suicide rather than surrendering.

Mr. Yu noted that the soldiers shared harrowing experiences including witnessing fellow comrades taking their own lives. He reinforced the constitutional recognition of captured North Korean soldiers as citizens entitled to protection. This statement contrasts with a previous incident in 2019, where South Korea expelled two North Korean men linked to violent crimes, marking a significant event in the region’s complex relationship.

In summary, the desire of the captured North Korean soldier for a peaceful life in South Korea highlights the ongoing complexities and human elements of the North-South Korean relationship. South Korea’s constitutional framework regarding citizenship presents a critical protective measure for these soldiers amidst grave risks associated with their potential repatriation to the North. This situation showcases the profound implications of political and military actions on individual lives, emphasizing the need for humane considerations in geopolitical conflicts.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com