Captured North Korean Soldier Expresses Desire to Defect to South Korea

A North Korean soldier captured by Ukraine desires to defect to South Korea for freedom and family reunification. The South Korean government is prepared to assist him. Another captured soldier expressed hesitation about defection, revealing the intense pressures North Korean soldiers face regarding capture. Lawmaker Yu stresses the importance of preventing the forced repatriation of such soldiers.

A North Korean soldier who has been captured by Ukrainian forces has expressed his desire to defect to South Korea. In discussions with South Korean lawmaker Rep. Yu Yong-weon, the soldier, identified by his surname Ri, inquired whether he could lead a life with the freedoms and rights he yearns for in Seoul. He mentioned his wish to meet his parents and asked about the possibility of receiving medical treatment in South Korea for his injuries.

Ri, who sustained serious wounds to his jaw and arm, highlighted his difficulty in speaking due to his conditions. He specifically questioned Rep. Yu about the prospects of him being able to live autonomously and form a family if he were to relocate to South Korea. Additionally, the South Korean government has indicated its readiness to offer protection and support to Ri should he choose to migrate to Seoul.

Another soldier, known by his surname Paek, exhibited hesitation regarding defection and indicated he required more time to contemplate the situation. Paek recounted an alarming statistic about North Korean soldiers, noting that many prefer self-destruction over capture. He shared that this sentiment springs from a conviction that surrendering to enemy forces constitutes a betrayal to their homeland.

Lawmaker Yu has emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to prevent the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine back to North Korea, advocating for their safety and rights as prisoners of war. As the situation develops, it remains critical to observe how both governments will navigate this humanitarian dilemma.

The captured North Korean soldier Ri has expressed a strong desire to defect to South Korea, seeking a life with freedoms and familial connections. The response from the South Korean government indicates a willingness to support his transition. Meanwhile, concerns raised by another soldier highlight the profound fear of capture among North Korean troops. Lawmaker Yu’s appeal to safeguard captured soldiers underscores the ongoing humanitarian considerations surrounding this complex issue.

Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr