A South Korean lawmaker revealed that a captured North Korean soldier wishes to live a “normal life” in South Korea. Following Seoul’s pledge to offer citizenship to captured North Korean troops, the lawmaker detailed his emotional encounter with two soldiers, emphasizing their constitutional rights and the dire consequences of repatriation to North Korea.
A South Korean lawmaker stated on Tuesday that a North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces expressed a desire to lead a “normal life” in South Korea, following the South’s commitment to offer citizenship to any North Korean troops taken prisoner. Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon mentioned that he met with two captured North Korean soldiers, who are currently held in an undisclosed location by Ukrainian authorities, after obtaining permission to visit them.
During the meeting, Yu reported feeling a wave of emotions, including compassion and empathy. One soldier indicated a strong wish to relocate to South Korea to reunite with his parents. He inquired about the possibility of having a home and family if he were to settle in South Korea, stressing his desire to enjoy rights and freedoms there.
According to South Korean law, all Koreans, including those in North Korea, are considered citizens, which means captured North Korean troops would also be entitled to this status. Yu emphasized that returning these soldiers to North Korea would likely result in their deaths, as they receive orders to commit suicide rather than be captured.
Reports from South Korean intelligence indicate that North Korean soldiers face extreme measures under such circumstances and have witnessed numerous suicides among their comrades. “Even as prisoners of war, North Korean soldiers are constitutionally recognized as South Korean citizens and must be protected accordingly,” Yu stated, highlighting their legal status and protection rights.
In summary, the South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-weon reaffirmed that North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine desire to live peacefully in South Korea. He verified their constitutional rights as citizens and highlighted the grave consequences of repatriating them to North Korea. This situation underscores the complexities surrounding North Korean deserters and the legal and moral obligations of South Korea toward them.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
