Two North Korean soldiers held by Ukraine have written they want to defect to South Korea and "begin a new life," a letter dated late October shows. The letter — the first direct statement from the men — was shared with AFP by a Seoul rights group after an interview filmed in Kyiv. South Korea warns that forcibly repatriating captured fighters to the North could amount to a "death sentence," and has urged Ukraine to respect the prisoners' wishes.
North Korean POWs In Ukraine Ask To Start 'New Life' In South Korea, Say Return Would Be A "Death Sentence"
North Korean soldiers are instructed to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner, according to South Korea's intelligence service. (STR)(STR/KCNA VIA KNS/AFP)
Two North Korean soldiers being held by Ukrainian authorities have written that they want to defect to South Korea and "begin a new life," according to a letter seen by AFP.
The letter, dated late October and shared with AFP by a Seoul-based rights group, is the first time the men have expressed that intention in their own words. The pair have been in Ukrainian custody since January after sustaining battlefield injuries.
What They Said
"Thanks to the support of the South Korean people, new dreams and aspirations have begun to take root."
"We firmly believe that we are never alone, and we think of those in South Korea as our own parents and siblings and have decided to go into their embrace."
The letter is signed by both soldiers; their names have been withheld to protect their safety.
Interview And Documentary
The message was delivered during an interview filmed for a documentary coordinated by Gyeore-eol Nation United (GNU), a Seoul-based rights group that assists North Korean defectors. The interview took place at an undisclosed facility in Kyiv where the two remain in custody. GNU chief Jang Se-yul, a former North Korean defector, said the filmed interview will be released next month.
Risks If Repatriated
South Korean officials and lawmakers have warned that sending the prisoners back to North Korea could amount to a "death sentence." Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon, who visited the men in Ukraine in February, said they recount witnessing wounded comrades killing themselves with grenades rather than being captured.
Official Reactions
Seoul has urged Ukraine not to forcibly repatriate North Korean prisoners of war against their will and asked that the men's expressed wish to go to South Korea be respected. Under South Korea's constitution, all Koreans— including those in the North—are regarded as citizens, and Seoul says that status applies to North Korean troops captured overseas.
Context
South Korean and Western intelligence agencies say North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia in its nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. Seoul estimates at least 600 North Korean fighters have been killed and thousands more wounded. Analysts also say that, in return for personnel, North Korea has received financial assistance, military technology and supplies of food and energy from Russia.
Note: This report is based on a letter and interviews coordinated by rights groups and verified accounts from South Korean officials and intelligence assessments. The names of the prisoners have been withheld for their safety.
