Official statements from the South Korean government or Ministry of Foreign Affairs

South Korea to Consult Ukraine on Transfer of Two Captured North Korean Soldiers if They Request Defection

Jan 14, 2025, 04:38 PM

South Korea has announced its readiness to consult with Ukraine about the potential transfer of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces if they express a desire to defect to the South. This decision follows the capture of two North Korean soldiers by Ukraine in Russia's western Kursk region, as revealed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to South Korea's Constitution, North Korean soldiers are considered citizens of the Republic of Korea, prompting the South Korean government to consider their repatriation. However, neither of the captured soldiers has yet expressed an interest in defecting to South Korea. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by spokesperson Lee Jae-woong, and its intelligence agency are maintaining communication with Ukraine to address the situation, with no formal requests for transfer made as of now. North Korea is estimated to have sent some 11,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine, with 300 reported killed and 2,700 wounded.