Seoul: An elderly North Korea sympathizer has requested the government to facilitate his return to the North through China or Russia, following a failed attempt to cross the inter-Korean border.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Ahn Hak-sop, a 95-year-old former North Korean soldier, made his plea during a press conference in Seoul. Ahn, identified as an “unconverted long-term prisoner,” is among six elderly former North Korean soldiers and spies who have not renounced their allegiance to North Korea, despite decades of imprisonment in South Korea.
Ahn participated in the Korean War of 1950-53 as a North Korean soldier and was arrested in 1953 on anti-state charges, serving 42 years in prison. Expressing his impatience, Ahn stated, “I will go to (North Korea) via Russia or China,” and questioned how much longer he would have to wait.
In August, Ahn and five others formally requested repatriation to North Korea. However, when Ahn attempted to cross into North Korea later that month, he was stopped by soldiers at the inter-Korean border.
A civic group supporting Ahn’s repatriation revealed that it has submitted another request to the unification and foreign ministries, seeking assistance in arranging his return to North Korea via a third country. The proposal includes a trip to Pyongyang via Russia’s Vladivostok or China’s Beijing, with all expenses covered by the group. The group warned that Ahn might stage a protest by securing a flight ticket and a passport to travel overseas if their demand is not met.
The unification ministry indicated its support for Ahn’s repatriation in principle but noted that North Korea’s stance needs confirmation. A ministry official stated, “The government’s basic principle is to push for the repatriation of unconverted long-term prisoners from a humanitarian and humanistic perspective.” The official emphasized that confirming North Korea’s intent is crucial, and the ministry is reviewing details, including potential consultations with North Korea. As of now, North Korea has not responded to the matter.