Two North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine have pleaded to be transferred to South Korea. Their appeal has drawn new attention to Pyongyang’s role in Russia’s war and the humanitarian implications surrounding it.
The prisoners, both in their 20s, made the request during a meeting with a South Korean documentary producer. The meeting took place this week at a detention facility near Kyiv, according to activist Jang Se-yul, head of a North Korean defectors’ group in Seoul.
Jang said the two men tearfully begged to go to South Korea. Their request marks a change from February when only one had expressed interest in resettling.
The North Korean POWs first gained international notice in January. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that his forces had captured them in Russia’s Kursk region. They had reportedly been fighting alongside Russian troops, highlighting North Korea’s expanding military role.
Since late 2024, North Korea has sent about 15,000 troops to support Russia in Ukraine. The deployment shows how Pyongyang and Moscow have strengthened military ties despite growing international isolation.
Photos released by Jang showed one prisoner’s jaw injury had healed, though it left visible deformity. Both appeared clean and fed but reportedly suffered emotional distress. Ukrainian officials said they had attempted self-harm due to psychological instability.
The North Korean POWs also asked for medicine, warm clothes, cigarettes, and books. Inside their quarters, they had hung hand-drawn portraits of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, showing continued loyalty or fear of repercussions.
South Korea has informed Ukraine it is ready to accept the captives if their intentions are verified. However, progress on their transfer remains stalled, with no official agreement reached.
Human rights advocates warn that returning the men to North Korea could result in execution or harsh punishment. They argue that granting them asylum would align with South Korea’s humanitarian obligations.
The case has now evolved into a complex diplomatic challenge involving Seoul, Kyiv, and Moscow. It also exposes the personal cost of North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia.
For now, the fate of the two North Korean POWs remains uncertain as both countries weigh legal and political consequences.
