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

A South Korean lawmaker revealed that a North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine wishes to live a normal life in South Korea and reunite with his parents. Under South Korean law, all Koreans are considered citizens, which would apply to the captured soldiers. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon emphasized the urgent need for protecting these soldiers, fearing their return to North Korea would lead to their deaths.

A South Korean lawmaker announced on March 4 that a North Korean soldier, captured by Ukrainian forces, expressed a desire to lead a “normal life” in South Korea. This statement follows Seoul’s commitment to granting citizenship to North Korean troops. The soldier, one of two captured by Ukraine, conveyed his wish to reunite with his parents in the South and sought assurances about his rights and opportunities there.

The soldier questioned whether he would be able to “live as I wish with the rights I hope for” and if he could “have a home and start a family there.” Under South Korean law, all Koreans, regardless of their location, are considered citizens, a status that the government confirmed would extend to any North Korean troops captured during the conflict. Returning the soldiers to North Korea would equate to a “death sentence,” as North Korean troops are reportedly instructed to take their own lives rather than face capture.

Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon, after visiting the two soldiers held in a Ukrainian detention facility, expressed deep empathy for their plight. He highlighted the harrowing conditions faced by North Korean soldiers, noting that they had witnessed several comrades committing suicide to avoid capture. As per South Korean constitution, even in captivity, North Korean soldiers retain their citizenship rights and must be safeguarded accordingly.

Past actions of the South Korean government include the controversial 2019 expulsion of two North Korean fishermen, reportedly responsible for murdering their crewmates before defecting. This incident marked the first repatriation of individuals from South to North Korea since the Korean War ended. Subsequent images of one of the expelled men struggling against his return highlighted the complex dynamics surrounding such exchanges.

In summary, the reported desire of a North Korean soldier to live a normal life in South Korea underscores the complexities of inter-Korean relations and the treatment of soldiers captured during conflict. With South Korea’s constitutional recognition of all Koreans as citizens, the fate of captured North Korean troops remains a significant humanitarian issue. Lawmaker Yu’s revelations about the soldiers’ fears illuminate the harsh realities for those serving under the North Korean regime, highlighting the need for compassionate policies regarding their treatment.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com