Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un could face a war crime investigation at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for his support of Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. This possibility was highlighted by Song Sang-hyun, a former president of the ICC, during an international conference held in Seoul. Song emphasized that the conditions are now suitable for bringing Kim to justice, especially after North Korea recently confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia to aid Moscow’s efforts against Ukraine.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Song Sang-hyun pointed out that despite Kim Jong-un’s ongoing human rights violations in North Korea, he has not been referred to the ICC. However, the legal basis has now been established for Ukraine to initiate a case against him at the ICC due to North Korea’s military support for Russia. Song remarked in his keynote address that North Korea’s assistance to Russia provides Ukraine with the necessary legal grounds to file a complaint as a victim.

Song highlighted the opportunity for Ukrainian authorities to file a complaint against North Korea with the ICC. He also noted that while a complaint from Ukraine would be ideal, the ICC possesses the authority to launch an independent investigation into the matter. This development follows the ICC’s issuance of an arrest warrant in March 2023 for Russian President Vladimir Putin over alleged war crimes related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Since late last year, North Korea has reportedly deployed thousands of troops to join Russian forces in the conflict, with both Pyongyang and Moscow confirming this deployment last month. Song explained that an ICC arrest warrant carries no statute of limitations, meaning the accused would bear the consequences for their entire life. It also imposes significant psychological burdens by preventing the accused from entering any of the 124 ICC member countries.

Song urged the ICC to take more proactive measures against war crimes committed by the North Korean leadership and their associates, underscoring the importance of addressing these violations on an international stage.