Government: "North Korean soldiers are our citizens under the constitution... Coordinating with Ukraine side heading to South Korea"

Amid reports that a North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces after being deployed to Russia wishes to defect, the government announced on the 19th that it will pursue negotiations to support the defection based on the fundamental principle of 'accepting all.'

An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the same day, "North Korean soldiers are our citizens under the constitution," and added, "Respecting the individual's free will regarding prisoner repatriation not only aligns with international law and practices but also means they should not be repatriated to a place where they face threats of persecution against their will."

The official continued, "If the North Korean prisoner requests to go to South Korea, the government will accept all of them according to the basic principle and relevant laws, providing necessary protection and support," adding, "We have already conveyed this position to the Ukrainian side and will continue necessary consultations."

Earlier, North Korean prisoner A expressed his intention to defect in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo released on the same day, saying, "I plan to apply for refugee status and go to the Republic of Korea."

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