SEOUL – A North Korean soldier who was captured by Ukrainian forces last month has publicly stated his intention to defect to South Korea, raising questions about the possibility of his repatriation.
The soldier, identified as Ri Mo, revealed in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo newspaper that he is "80% decided" on seeking asylum in South Korea. "I plan to apply for refugee status and go to the Republic of Korea," he said.
This marks the first time a North Korean prisoner of war has expressed a desire to defect to the South.
Ri, who identified himself as a soldier from the Reconnaissance General Bureau, said he was deceived by North Korean officials into believing he was fighting against South Korean soldiers. He explained that he was told by officials that all drone pilots were South Korean, and that he was fighting against them.
He also said that there were 1-2 officials from the Ministry of State Security in each battalion of about 500 soldiers, who were responsible for controlling the ideology of the North Korean soldiers.
Ri left North Korea in early October and was sent to Kursk, where fierce battles were taking place between Ukrainian and Russian forces. He said he had not been able to contact his family for three months prior to his deployment, and that his parents were unaware of his situation.
He said he was told he was going to Russia for training as a student, and that he did not know he would be participating in combat until he arrived in Kursk. He was deployed to the front lines on December 5.
Ri, who suffered serious injuries to his jaw and arm, said that most of his comrades were killed by drone and artillery attacks. "The drone attacked and killed the people who saved me one by one, and I was the only one who survived," he said. "Out of five people, all five were killed."
When asked if he had been ordered to commit suicide, he said that prisoners of war were considered "traitors" in the North Korean army, and that he might have done so himself if he had had a grenade.
Ri said he was concerned about the safety of his parents if his capture became known in North Korea. He also said he was aware of the difficulties he would face if he returned to the North.
"If I go back to the North now, there will be many hardships," he said. "Of course."
He added that he wanted to pursue his dream of attending university after being discharged from the army.
The South Korean government has said that it will consult with Ukraine on the repatriation of Ri, as he is considered a South Korean citizen under the Constitution. However, the government has also said that it will first confirm his intentions before taking any action.
Under international law, prisoners of war are to be repatriated to their home countries after the end of hostilities. However, there are exceptions to this rule, such as when a prisoner of war faces a risk of persecution in their home country.
Some experts have argued that Ri should be allowed to defect to South Korea, as he could face serious human rights abuses if he returns to North Korea.
The South Korean government has not yet announced its official position on the matter.
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