South Korea will accept North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukraine if they choose to relocate to Seoul, the foreign ministry announced. Seoul opposes any repatriation against their wishes, citing fears of severe punishment in North Korea.
The decision impacts international humanitarian law, the geopolitical dynamics between North Korea, Russia, and Ukraine, and the safety of individuals seeking asylum from oppressive regimes.
South Korea has announced it will accept all North Korean prisoners of war who fought for Russia and were captured by Ukraine, should they choose to go to South Korea. The foreign ministry stated on Tuesday that Seoul opposes any repatriation of these individuals to Russia or North Korea against their wishes.
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.