South Korea and Ukraine are negotiating the repatriation of North Korean POWs. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul confirmed the nation’s readiness to accept two soldiers, although none have requested transfer thus far. Captured soldiers have identified their service in North Korea’s military intelligence agency, countering previous assumptions about their unit. The situation reflects ongoing military reforms amid conflict.
Discussions have taken place between South Korea and Ukraine concerning the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. As reported by Yonhap news agency, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul engaged in a telephone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, to explore this issue. Minister Cho expressed that Seoul is prepared to accept two imprisoned North Korean soldiers, should they choose to relocate to South Korea.
Initial reports of this dialogue surfaced in January 2025, indicating that South Korea, in accordance with its constitution, regards the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory. This framework effectively designates all North Korean residents as South Korean citizens, though, as of now, no captured soldiers have expressed a desire to be transferred to South Korea.
On February 19, the South Korean publication Chosun Ilbo released interviews with the captured North Korean soldiers, identified as Ri, a 26-year-old sniper-reconnaissance officer, and Baek, a 21-year-old rifleman. Both soldiers confirmed their affiliation with the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB)—the military intelligence agency of North Korea—contrary to earlier beliefs that they served in the 11th “Storm” Corps of the nation’s special operations forces.
While the precise unit affiliation of these soldiers remains unclear, the RGB comprises various units, including 180, 91, and 525. Furthermore, it is plausible that recent military reforms have resulted in the reorganization of intelligence units under the special operations forces during the ongoing conflict in the Kursk oblast.
In summary, South Korea and Ukraine are collaboratively addressing the repatriation of North Korean soldiers, with Minister Cho affirming readiness to accept those willing to relocate. Meanwhile, considerable insights into the captured soldiers’ identity and military affiliation have emerged, revealing their connection to North Korea’s military intelligence. As the situation unfolds, the complexities of military reforms and territorial citizenship will likely continue to shape discussions on this matter.
Original Source: mil.in.ua
