South Korea and Ukraine’s foreign ministers discussed the repatriation of North Korean POWs. Under South Korean law, captured North Koreans are seen as citizens. The dialogue emphasizes the possibility of asylum for the POWs, underscored by a recent interview from Chosun Ilbo where one soldier expressed a desire to defect.
On March 17, top diplomats from South Korea and Ukraine engaged in discussions regarding the potential repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) detained in Ukraine. This communication, revealed by South Korea’s Foreign Ministry, highlighted that these POWs are considered South Korean citizens under domestic laws.
South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha about the status of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. Cho emphasized that, per South Korean law, if these soldiers wish to defect, the Republic of Korea would honor their intention.
A relevant interview conducted by the Chosun Ilbo on February 19 featured the two captives, who served as a sniper-scout and a shooter, respectively. During the interview, one soldier reportedly expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea, underscoring the complexity of their situation.
The conversation between South Korea and Ukraine signifies the ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning North Korean POWs. As the situation develops, the legal implications and potential asylum requests will be closely monitored. Furthermore, the dialogue encourages a humanitarian approach to the treatment of these individuals.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
