A captured North Korean soldier expressed his desire to defect to South Korea during discussions with South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon. He inquired about the rights and lifestyle he could have in Seoul. The South Korean government is prepared to assist him if he requests to relocate, while another soldier expressed hesitation regarding defection. Notably, this raises issues surrounding the treatment of captured soldiers and their repatriation risks.
A North Korean soldier who was captured by Ukrainian forces has expressed his desire to defect to South Korea. During a meeting with South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon, the soldier, identified only by his surname Ri, inquired about his potential life in Seoul, seeking assurance that he could “live as I wish with the rights” he aspires to acquire. The lawmaker shared details of the meeting at a press conference, which followed his trip to Ukraine from February 23-26.
In the audio recording released by Representative Yu, Ri voiced a longing to reunite with his parents and asked about obtaining surgery for his injuries. He has suffered significant wounds to his jaw and arm, affecting his ability to speak clearly. Additionally, Ri posed questions about his future, including whether he could secure a home and establish a family in South Korea.
The South Korean government has indicated a willingness to provide support and protection should Ri formally request to relocate to Seoul. Meanwhile, another captured soldier named Paek has indicated he requires more time to consider defection.
Paek reflected on the grim reality faced by North Korean soldiers when captured, stating that he had heard of many instances where soldiers chose to take their own lives rather than surrender. He recounted his own experience, confessing he had a grenade for self-destruction during his injury, emphasizing that while it was a personal choice, such actions stem from a belief that capture equates to betrayal.
Representative Yu has urged diplomatic authorities to take all necessary precautions to ensure that captured North Korean soldiers are not forcibly returned to their homeland. His statements underscore the ongoing humanitarian and political complexities surrounding the issue of North Korean defectors and the risks they face.
The case of the North Korean soldier captured in Ukraine raises critical questions regarding defectors’ rights and their future in South Korea. Both Ri and Paek’s testimonies reveal the harrowing conditions faced by North Korean soldiers and the psychological pressure of potential capture. Moving forward, it is imperative for South Korean authorities to consider their support systems for defectors in light of their precarious situations.
Original Source: www.koreatimes.co.kr
