The Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) has confirmed that North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) who expressed a desire to go to South Korea could indeed be repatriated.
Andriy Chernyak, representative and colonel for the HUR, stated in an interview with Yonhap News Agency on February 21 in Kyiv that Ukraine maintains close cooperation with South Korea, making the POWs’ transfer feasible.
“Everything is possible,” Chernyak said. “We have a solid relationship with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) and special forces. Therefore, the repatriation of the North Korean POW to South Korea could be arranged.”
This marks the first time a Ukrainian government agency has publicly addressed the potential transfer of a North Korean POW to South Korea.
A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces last month, identified as Ri, recently declared his intent to seek asylum in South Korea. In an interview with South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo published on February 19, Ri stated, “I have made up my mind 80%. I want to apply for refugee status and go to South Korea.” Ri is one of two North Korean soldiers taken prisoner by Ukraine.
Seoul Reaffirms Commitment to Accepting POWs
The South Korean government has reiterated its stance that captured North Korean soldiers are considered South Korean citizens under the constitution. If their intent to defect is confirmed, they will be accepted and supported accordingly. Seoul has communicated this position to the Ukrainian government.
Last month, South Korea’s NIS also told the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee that “since North Korean soldiers are considered South Korean citizens under constitutional values, their intent to defect is the most important factor.” The NIS added that it would actively coordinate with Ukraine should any captured North Korean soldier express a desire to defect.
With both the South Korean and Ukrainian governments showing positive responses to the case, Ri’s potential transfer to South Korea now depends on verifying his intent and coordinating between the two countries.
HUR’s Role in Handling North Korean POW Cases
Chernyak serves as the official representative of the Defense Intelligence Directorate, conveying its stance through domestic and international media. The title itself, “Representative,” signifies this role, emphasizing their function in speaking on behalf of the agency, according to Yonhap.
The interview with Chernyak took place in a residential area in Kyiv, with HUR personnel reportedly working from multiple dispersed offices. He declined to be photographed during the interview.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
