"Cheering" vs "Recklessness": Citizens Debate Lee Geun's 'Ukraine Trip'

Former Captain Lee Geun Defies Travel Ban to Depart for Ukraine
Forms Team to Join International Volunteer Corps... "Will Elevate South Korea's Status"
Governments of US, UK, and Others Reluctant About Citizens Joining Volunteer Forces
Unclear if Prisoner of War Status Applies Under International Law
Government Likely Unable to Guarantee Citizens' Safety

Former Navy Special Warfare Group Captain Lee Geun, a former captain, is reported to have left the country to join the Ukrainian International Volunteer Forces. / Photo by Lee Geun Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Navy Special Warfare Captain Lee Geun has expressed his intention to participate as a 'volunteer soldier' in Ukraine, which is facing a crisis due to the Russian military invasion. Despite the government designating the entire territory of Ukraine as a travel-restricted zone, he proceeded with his departure. This has sparked divided opinions among netizens. While some support him, believing he can be of great help to Ukrainians, others express concerns that it is merely recklessness.

◆Lee Geun: "I am the first Republic of Korea volunteer soldier... I will elevate Korea's status"

On the 6th, Lee Geun wrote on his Instagram, "When the President of Ukraine called for help from around the world, 'ROKSEAL' immediately prepared for the volunteer soldier mission. On the 28th of last month, I posted related articles on the YouTube community and announced a hint saying 'WE WILL SUPPORT UKRAINE'."

He continued, "Within 48 hours, we planned, coordinated, and prepared equipment. Initially, we tried to follow official procedures to depart, but we encountered friction due to strong opposition from the Korean government," adding, "We were threatened that entering a travel-restricted country would result in being treated as criminals and punished with up to one year imprisonment or a fine of 10 million KRW."

He explained the reason for proceeding with his departure, saying, "However, even if we were punished, we could not just stand by without helping Ukraine with the skills, knowledge, and expertise we possess."

Fans showed support for Captain Lee's decision to join the volunteer forces. / Photo by Lee Geun, Instagram capture

Lee Geun stated that he personally selected the team members participating as volunteer soldiers. He emphasized, "If I return alive, I will take full responsibility and accept any punishment given," and added, "As the first Republic of Korea volunteer soldier, I will represent our country and elevate its status."

Netizens showed sharply divided opinions regarding Lee Geun's decision to participate as a volunteer soldier. A photo of him departing posted on Instagram received over 17,000 'likes.' Some fans expressed support, saying, "We support your courageous decision. Please bring honor to Korea," "Stay safe and return unharmed," and "I support the captain's decision."

However, many also discouraged him. Skeptical responses included, "There is a reason the government tells you not to go," "Isn't this irresponsible? What about the family left in Korea?" and "You will only be a burden to the government."

Lee Geun seemed aware of the criticism, explaining, "The more you try to do something meaningful, the more losers in life will envy, slander, and try to bring you down," and added, "Ignorant people do not understand security, but in this situation, my team had to depart and arrive safely in Ukraine through unofficial procedures, so I did not share my plans with anyone except a few officials."

◆Ukraine appeals for volunteer soldiers... Governments of various countries show reluctance

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine leading the resistance against the Russian invasion, previously appealed to other countries for 'volunteer soldier participation' on the 26th of last month (local time). At that time, President Zelensky said, "Anyone who wants to participate in defending Ukraine, please come," and "They are all heroes." Recently, a related website for processing foreign volunteer soldier support documents was also launched.

Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, has appealed for foreigners to join the volunteer army. / Photo by Yonhap News

Since then, hundreds of former soldiers, mainly from Western countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, have volunteered, and foreign volunteers continue to arrive.

According to multiple media reports, dozens of people in Korea have inquired about departure methods through the Ukrainian Embassy in Korea, but realistically, it seems almost impossible. Currently, the government has issued a 'Level 4 Travel Alert,' effectively banning travel to Ukraine.

To depart, one must obtain permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for 'exceptional passport use,' which requires meeting conditions such as being a permanent resident of the destination country, having journalistic or reporting purposes, urgent humanitarian reasons (such as the death or equivalent accident/illness of family members residing locally), or official duties. Violating this and forcing a visit can result in up to one year imprisonment or a fine of up to 10 million KRW under Article 26 of the current Passport Act.

Governments of various countries also show reluctance toward their citizens' direct participation as volunteer soldiers. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently responded to a question at a press conference about Americans volunteering in Ukraine, saying, "The U.S. government has urged American citizens in Ukraine to withdraw immediately," and "There are many ways to help Ukrainian citizens through various NGOs."

British Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace also said, "There are many ways to help Ukraine besides fighting," urging restraint in volunteering as soldiers.

◆Volunteer soldiers risk not receiving prisoner-of-war treatment

The government’s reluctance to allow citizens to participate as volunteer soldiers is due to safety concerns. The government is highly unlikely to guarantee their lives.

First, foreigners volunteering as soldiers in Ukraine differ from regular troops. They may be classified as 'foreign mercenaries' not affiliated with the government, so if captured by enemy forces during war, they risk not receiving prisoner-of-war treatment under the Geneva Conventions. The Ukrainian military has recently recognized this issue and is reportedly processing military enlistment procedures for all foreign volunteers.

Smoke is rising as Ukrainian military facilities and equipment on the outskirts of Mariupol in southern Ukraine are destroyed by attacks from Russian forces. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, even if the Ukrainian military grants volunteer soldiers the same status as regular troops, it is a separate matter whether the Russian military will respect this.

Recently, the Russian Embassy in Thailand warned via its Facebook account, "According to international law, foreign mercenaries cannot receive prisoner-of-war treatment. The best-case scenario for (international volunteer soldiers) is detention or arrest," and "Therefore, the Russian Ministry of Defense strongly opposes the participation of all foreigners in military operations," leaving open the possibility that captured foreigners may not be released.

If the Russian military captures and arrests foreign volunteer soldiers, governments must negotiate directly to bring their nationals home. From the government's perspective, this means consuming additional material and human resources and risking involvement in conflicts occurring in other countries.

In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 3rd, "The government’s top policy goal is the safety of our citizens, along with other factors related to the situation in Ukraine," and "Entering Ukraine without permission may result in punishment under the Passport Act."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.