'Unauthorized Departure from Ukraine' Marine: "Ignored Injustice in the Military... DP Came All the Way to Poland"

"Decided to Leave After Watching Ukraine Damage Footage"
"Thought I'd Rather Self-Destruct Than Be Captured as a Prisoner"
"They Ignored My Report Then... Will Voluntarily Return Even If I Have to Go Back"

On the 27th (local time), Ukrainian refugees are crossing the border on foot in Medyka, a southeastern border city of Poland.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Jung-wan] Marine Corps soldier A, who left the country without permission during leave, claimed that he experienced injustices during his military service and decided to leave after watching footage of the damage in Ukraine.

A, who is currently staying in Poland, said in a pre-recorded interview on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' aired on the 28th that before leaving the country, he was subjected to injustices such as being excluded from the class ("gisuyolwe") by senior soldiers in the unit under the pretext of preparing to become a non-commissioned officer.

A stated, "I was so distressed that I wrote a 'letter of the heart' saying 'my seniors are making things difficult for me,' but the unit only made me write a report, and the officers covered it up."

He also said, "What surprised me was that Marine Corps investigators (DP - desertion arrest team) came all the way here (Poland)," adding, "When I reported it, those who usually ignored me came quickly to catch me (in Poland)."

A explained his reason for leaving the country, saying, "I kept looking for news that Russian troops bombed a Ukrainian daycare center or indiscriminately massacred civilians," and "I only thought that even if I broke Korean law, I had to go and help."

Regarding concerns that his situation as an active-duty soldier could escalate into a diplomatic issue, he replied, "I am fully aware and have heard about it," but added, "I have already thought that if I am captured as a prisoner, I might as well self-destruct."

He continued, "(Even if I return) I will come back voluntarily," and added, "I believe I will take responsibility for the choices I make."

Earlier, A left for Warsaw, Poland, through Incheon International Airport on the 21st while on leave. He was denied entry at the Ukrainian border checkpoint while attempting to enter Ukraine and stayed at the Polish border checkpoint.

Currently, A has not been in contact since leaving the Polish border guard building in the early hours of the 23rd local time, and his whereabouts are unknown. The military and diplomatic authorities are reportedly tracking A's whereabouts and persuading him to return.

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