Money? Justice? Why Did Lee Geun Head to Ukraine?

YouTuber Lee Geun Participated in Ukraine War as Part of 'International Volunteer Corps'
Despite 'Death Rumors,' He Reveals "I'm Alive"... Other Members Except Him Withdraw from Ukraine
Criticism Mounts Over Illegal Entry into Ukraine... Suspicions of 'Money-Making'
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Files Complaint Against Lee Geun for Passport Law Violation

Captain Lee Geun, a former Navy Special Warfare Unit (UDT/SEAL) officer who recently announced his departure to join the Ukrainian volunteer forces, claimed on the 7th that he has arrived in Ukraine.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Amid various interpretations surrounding the background of former Navy Special Warfare Unit (UDT/SEAL) member and YouTuber Lee Geun's (reserve captain) departure to Ukraine, rumors of his 'death' and reports of 're-entry into Poland' have surfaced, prompting Lee to speak out himself. Previously, Lee stated that his reason for joining the fight was for 'peace in Ukraine,' but he has faced heavy criticism for entering a travel-restricted area without permission.

Lee also explained that he wanted to repay the help Ukraine provided during the Korean War, but since Ukraine was part of the Soviet bloc at the time and supported North Korea, critics argue that Lee's statements are inconsistent. Given this situation and the fact that Lee is a YouTuber by profession, suspicions have even been raised that his ultimate goal might be YouTube revenue.

After entering Ukraine to join the 'International Volunteer Army,' Lee, who was once caught up in 'death rumors,' revealed his current status. On the 15th, Lee posted on his social media, "I am alive," adding, "My team members have safely withdrawn from Ukraine. I am the only one left." Two members of Lee's group returned to Korea on the 16th, and the police plan to investigate them after their self-quarantine period, as per quarantine rules, ends.

Lee then said, "There is a lot to do," and warned, "Stop creating fake news." He also released a conversation with a person saved under the name 'Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency International Crime Investigation Division 2.' According to the conversation, a police official expressed, "We highly appreciate your sacrifice as a soldier of the Republic of Korea for the country and its people. If there is any urgent cooperation needed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, please send your current location on a map, and we will notify the Ministry to request protection for overseas nationals," repeatedly offering assistance to Lee.

Despite the police's persuasion, Lee firmly stated that he would not return. He said, "The situation on the ground is very serious right now," and added, "If all fighters withdraw, there will be nothing left here. I will do my best to help Ukraine."

Lee announced his departure to Ukraine on his social media on the 6th. The next day, on the 7th, he shared news of his entry into Ukraine via social media, saying, "We will fight on the front lines," and "Thank you for helping us during the Korean War. Now, we will help you." Lee also shared a photo presumed to be of a military base.

YouTuber Lee Geun, a former member of the Naval Special Warfare Group (UDT/SEAL). Photo by Lee, Instagram photo capture.

Afterward, news from Lee ceased, and grim rumors of his death circulated. On the 11th, posts appeared on various online communities claiming that three Koreans conducting special operations in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, had died. However, it was confirmed that these posts were mistranslations during the process of translating Ukrainian.

Lee, who had remained silent amid the 'death rumors,' spoke out after reports about his group surfaced. One media outlet, citing government sources, reported that Lee's group had approached Kyiv but, feeling their lives were in danger, attempted to re-enter Poland but failed. Lee denied the report, saying, "Attempting to re-enter Poland? That's nonsense. Fraudulent reporters, you guys. We never even went near the border, and I parted ways with my team at the front lines," sharply rebutting the claims.

Choi Young-sam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also stated on the 15th, "Regarding whether our citizens who were confirmed to have entered Ukraine without government permission recently re-entered Poland, there has been no official confirmation yet."

Earlier, Lee's trip to Ukraine sparked numerous speculations among netizens. Lee stated that his reasons for joining were peace in Ukraine and gratitude toward Ukraine for its participation in the Korean War. However, since Ukraine supported North Korea during the Korean War and, above all, Lee violated the government's travel ban on Ukraine by departing anyway, he has faced strong criticism. Many netizens left comments on Lee's post announcing his departure, such as "Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union during the Korean War. They were not allies," and "Why go when the government opposed it?"

With unclear justification for his participation and Lee being a YouTuber by profession, there are also criticisms that his real motive is YouTube earnings. One netizen said, "The intention may be good, but ignoring the law is unacceptable," and added, "There could be diplomatic conflicts, and using war as content is inappropriate."

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has filed a complaint with the police against Lee for violating the Passport Act. The Ministry stated that since Lee entered a travel-restricted area without exceptional passport use permission, he is subject to administrative sanctions and criminal penalties.

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