Lee Geun Wearing Combat Uniform and Firing Machine Gun... Appearance in Ukraine War Revealed on German Broadcast

Mr. Lee Geun (38) wearing combat uniform and firing a machine gun. Photo by ARD, German public broadcaster, news program footage capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Wooseok] Lee Geun (38), a former Navy Special Warfare Unit (UDT·SEAL) captain who fought as a foreign mercenary in Ukraine, appeared on German broadcast news.

On the 28th (local time), Lee was introduced as a "foreign fighter in Ukraine" on a news program by the German public broadcaster ARD. The broadcast showed Lee wearing combat gear firing a machine gun and aiming anti-tank missiles at enemy forces alongside his comrades.

According to the broadcast, some of the footage was reportedly provided directly by Lee to the broadcaster.

Mr. Lee Geun (38) being interviewed by German broadcasting. Photo by ARD, Germany's public broadcasting news program video capture.

In an interview with the program, Lee also shared his thoughts on volunteering for the war. He said, "Having had extensive experience in Somalia and Iraq, I thought I could be of help," adding, "Fighting against a superpower enemy is difficult. I nearly died two or three times."

Meanwhile, Lee returned to South Korea through Incheon International Airport on the 27th and is currently receiving treatment. It is reported that he sustained a knee cruciate ligament injury and requires surgery.

The police have imposed a travel ban on Lee and are investigating him on charges of violating the Passport Act. Earlier, the government banned travel to Ukraine in February and issued a Level 4 travel alert. Accordingly, visiting or staying in Ukraine without government approval is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million KRW under the Passport Act. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs filed a complaint with the police in March against Lee for violating the Passport Act after he traveled to Ukraine.

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