On March 4, a South Korean lawmaker revealed that a North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine desires to live a “normal life” in South Korea, following the country’s policy to offer citizenship to North Korean troops. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon highlighted the emotional experience of meeting the soldiers and the broader implications of their potential return to North Korea, where they face dire consequences. Under South Korean law, these soldiers are regarded as citizens and must be afforded protection.
On March 4, a South Korean lawmaker disclosed that a North Korean soldier, detained by Ukrainian forces, expressed a desire to lead a “normal life” in South Korea, following Seoul’s commitment to grant citizenship to North Korean troops. The lawmaker, Yu Yong-weon, revealed that the National Intelligence Service had confirmed the capture of two North Korean soldiers, amid a larger deployment of approximately 10,000 sent by Kim Jong Un to support Russia against Ukraine.
During a press conference, Mr. Yu shared his emotional encounter with the soldiers, stating, “The moment I faced the two young prisoners, I was overwhelmed with emotions – compassion, sympathy, and an innate sense of empathy.” He recounted that one soldier articulated his wish to relocate to South Korea to reunite with his parents, inquiring whether he would be able to live freely and establish a family there.
According to South Korea’s Constitution, all individuals of Korean descent, including those in North Korea, are recognized as citizens. Officials have reiterated that captured North Korean troops will also be treated as citizens and protected accordingly. Mr. Yu emphasized that returning these soldiers to North Korea would amount to a “death sentence” given their orders to commit suicide if captured, a claim supported by intelligence reports.
The lawmaker noted that the soldiers recounted witnessing fellow comrades taking their own lives with grenades while injured. Mr. Yu stated, “Even as prisoners of war, North Korean soldiers are constitutionally recognised as South Korean citizens and must be protected accordingly.” He referenced a historical precedent from 2019, when the South expelled two North Koreans involved in a serious crime, marking the first transfer of individuals back to North Korea since the Korean War’s conclusion.
In conclusion, the situation of North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine raises significant humanitarian and legal concerns under South Korean law, highlighting the complexities of citizenship and the protection of individuals under duress. The South’s commitment to safeguarding these soldiers reflects a broader ethical stance amidst geopolitical tensions.
In summary, the captured North Korean soldiers in Ukraine seek asylum in South Korea, expressing desires for a dignified life and constitutional protections. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon’s insights underline the gravity of the situation, where returning these individuals would likely result in tragic outcomes. Their status as citizens under South Korean law emphasizes the importance of protecting their rights in this complex geopolitical context.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
