Seoul: South Korea's top diplomat has emphasized the importance of confirming the intentions of captured North Korean soldiers before allowing their defection to the South, reaffirming Seoul's readiness to welcome them. Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul made these remarks following an interview with a South Korean daily in which a North Korean soldier held by Ukraine expressed an 80 percent certainty of his desire to move to South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the soldier in question is one of two wounded North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces last month during combat in Russia's western Kursk border region. North Korea has deployed approximately 11,000 troops in support of Moscow's efforts against Kyiv.
Minister Cho stated during a parliamentary session that if the soldiers' intention to defect is clear, they should be accepted as South Korean nationals, and necessary procedures should be undertaken in line with constitutional provisions. He emphasized that their personal intentions remain the most critical factor in the decision-making process.
The South Korean government is actively working to ascertain their intentions through undisclosed channels. Cho expressed confidence that the soldiers' decisions would become clearer over time, despite them not being fully certain at present.
Following the media report, the foreign ministry confirmed the government's willingness to provide protection and support to the North Korean soldiers if they express a desire to defect to the South. This stance aligns with South Korea's principles and legal frameworks concerning North Korean individuals.
In addition to addressing the defection issue, Minister Cho discussed South Korea's relations with the United States, particularly under the second Donald Trump administration. He reiterated the commitment to collaborate with Washington on strategic matters, including shipbuilding and artificial intelligence, to explore further economic cooperation.
Minister Cho also announced plans to visit Poland in early March for diplomatic discussions on defense exports and other relevant issues.