Korean Volunteer Soldier Leaving Ukraine: "This Is Not a Heroic Story, It's a Tragedy... Do Not Send Support"

"Couldn't bear to see children die, so I volunteered"
"Will return home after the war ends"

Korean soldiers participating in the International Brigade of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces / Photo by KBS Broadcasting Capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Two Korean soldiers belonging to the Ukrainian international volunteer unit, the "Territorial Defense Forces International Brigade" (International Brigade), shared the harsh realities of war and emphasized, "I hope there are no more applicants." However, they stated that they will continue to fight on Ukraine's side until the war ends.

The two Korean youths, known to be engaged in combat with Russian forces as members of the International Brigade, conducted a video interview with KBS on the 28th. In this interview, the soldiers appeared on camera wearing masks and sunglasses to ensure their own and their families' safety.

Koreans A and B said, "We entered Ukraine earlier this month. There are more Korean volunteers than is known domestically," adding, "One officer said there were 40, and I also heard from a volunteer recruiter that there are about 20."

They explained that the current situation on the Ukrainian front is very serious. Earlier, on the 13th (local time), Russian forces fired about 30 missiles at a training camp near the Ukraine-Poland border, causing dozens of volunteer casualties. They revealed that they were also at that location during the attack.

A recalled, "When the missile exploded, I was hit by shrapnel in my arm. A Polish friend from the same platoon carried me, and I was able to survive."

B said, "This is not a hero fantasy," emphasizing, "Real arms and legs are blown off, and flesh is completely burned. It is pure tragedy," and stressed, "No matter what you imagine, it is more horrific than that, and I hope there are no more applicants from Korea."

Some South Koreans reportedly left the country for Ukraine without permission despite the government's travel ban and joined the international volunteer forces. The photo shows a South Korean soldier posted on social media / Photo by Facebook capture

Despite the unfavorable war situation, they expressed their determination not to return home until the war ends. They said, "We applied because it was hard to just stand by while ordinary citizens and children were dying and getting injured," adding, "I am sorry for worrying my parents, and I will return safely. I will come back when the war ends."

The International Brigade was first proposed on the 26th of last month, two days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. At that time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to foreigners, saying, "Everyone who wants to participate in defending Ukraine, please come." Subsequently, the Ukrainian military launched a website to process foreign volunteer applications and established the International Brigade, a unit composed of foreigners.

However, in Korea, unauthorized departure to Ukraine to join the international volunteer forces may result in criminal penalties. Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a "Level 4 Travel Alert," banning civilian travel throughout Ukraine, and thus, leaving the country without government permission to use a passport is illegal.

Previously, on the 6th, YouTuber Lee Geun, a former Navy Special Warfare Group captain, also departed for Ukraine with two others and was reported to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for violating the Passport Act.

Regarding this, Damian Magro, spokesperson for the International Brigade, explained in an interview with Yonhap News on the 28th, "Many countries, including Korea, prohibit entry into Ukraine and enlistment in the International Brigade," but added, "There is no issue under Ukrainian domestic law or international law."

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