Ukrainian Volunteer Forces Spokesperson: "Some Korean Volunteers Deployed to Frontlines... Lee Geun Not Yet"

"Joining International Brigades Does Not Violate Ukrainian Domestic or International Law"
"All Applicants Fully Understand Why They Came Here"

Captain Lee Geun, a former member of the Naval Special Warfare Group (UDT/SEAL), claimed on the 7th that he arrived in Ukraine. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] The Ukrainian Foreign Volunteer Unit 'Territorial Defense Forces International Brigade' has announced that some Korean volunteers have been deployed to the front lines. However, YouTuber Lee Geun, a former Navy Special Warfare Group captain, is reported to have not yet been assigned to the front lines.

Demian Magro, spokesperson for the Territorial Defense Forces International Brigade, said in an interview with 'Yonhap News' on the 28th, "Volunteers from many countries, including Koreans, have enlisted," adding, "Some Korean volunteers have been deployed to frontline units."

Magro explained that due to operational security, the specific locations of each brigade member cannot be confirmed. However, regarding Lee, he stated, "He has not yet been deployed to the front lines."

Regarding some foreigners entering Ukraine and joining the International Brigade despite government travel bans, he said, "It is inappropriate to discuss foreign policies," but emphasized, "Many countries, including Korea, prohibit entry into Ukraine and enlistment in the International Brigade, but this is not an issue under Ukrainian domestic law or international law."

He added, "All volunteers fully understand why they had to come here."

Mr. Lee and his group who forced their departure earlier this month to join the Ukrainian International Volunteer Corps / Photo by Lee Geun, Instagram capture

Earlier, on the 6th, Lee expressed his intention to join the International Brigade on his Instagram account. At that time, he said, "We cannot just stand by in this situation without helping through the skills, knowledge, and expertise we possess."

The government currently has issued a 'Level 4 Travel Alert' banning civilian travel throughout Ukraine. To depart for Ukraine, one must obtain passport usage permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but Lee appears to have left without government approval.

Subsequently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported Lee and two companions who left for Ukraine without permission to the police for violating the Passport Act. The two who traveled with Lee returned to Korea on the 16th.

Meanwhile, Lee's manager posted on his YouTube channel on the 24th, stating, "Various fake news about Captain Lee Geun's participation in Ukraine has recently surfaced, but they are clearly all false."

He said, "Rumors such as death, attempts to re-enter Poland, and hotel stays are malicious fabrications," adding, "Due to mission security, no one except related personnel knows Captain Lee's current location, and all contact has been completely cut off."

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