'Korean Volunteer Fighter in Ukraine' Reported Dead... Lee Geun's Family Says "Lee Geun is Healthy"

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Confirming Details Regarding Deceased

Photo by Lee Geun, Instagram capture

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Amid reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has obtained intelligence indicating that at least one South Korean national presumed to be a volunteer soldier in Ukraine has died, it has been reported that Lee Geun, a YouTuber and former member of the Naval Special Warfare Group (UDT/SEAL), is safe.

On the 23rd, a family member of Mr. Lee told a media outlet around 11 p.m. on the 22nd that "Lee Geun is healthy" in response to inquiries about his survival.

The Ukrainian volunteer forces, related to former Captain Lee Geun, who was recently reported unreachable, stated, "We communicated today as well, and confirmed that his health condition is good."

Earlier, the government announced on the 22nd that it had obtained intelligence indicating that at least one citizen participating as a volunteer soldier to assist Ukraine had died.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "The government recently received intelligence through related countries that some of our nationals participating as volunteer soldiers in the Ukraine war have died, and we are verifying the facts through various channels."

The intelligence received by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly indicates multiple South Korean nationals have died but does not include the names of the deceased. The Ministry had been attempting to maintain contact with these individuals even before receiving the death intelligence, but some, including former Captain Lee Geun, have been unreachable.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has identified four South Korean nationals who entered Ukraine without government permission and are currently staying there. Accordingly, the Ministry is attempting to contact these four unauthorized entrants or their families to confirm their survival status.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized, "Due to the intensification of fighting in southeastern Ukraine, there are serious concerns about personal safety," and repeatedly urged nationals who entered Ukraine without authorization to leave promptly.

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