South Korea to accept North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine

Two North Korean soldiers, identified as Ri and Baek, were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025. Interviews with the soldiers revealed their strong desire to defect to South Korea, with both expressing fear of severe punishment, including death, if returned to their home country. They cited North Korea's military doctrine, which reportedly forbids surrender and orders soldiers to commit suicide to avoid capture.

Activists have accused the current South Korean government of hesitating to grant asylum to the soldiers, despite their expressed wishes. The UN special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea has also weighed in, urging Ukraine to adhere to international norms and not send the POWs back to a place where they risk torture. South Korean and Ukrainian ministers are scheduled to hold talks on June 30 to discuss the fate of the captured soldiers.