Ukrainian officials have suggested that North Korean soldiers, captured while supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, could potentially travel to South Korea if they wish.
Andriy Chernyak, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate, told Yonhap News on Feb. 22, “Anything is possible” when asked about the soldiers' potential move to South Korea. “We maintain strong ties with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service and special forces. Therefore, sending the North Korean soldiers to South Korea could be feasible,” Chernyak explained.
Earlier, one of the captured soldiers, Lee (26), told The Chosun Daily in a Feb. 19 interview that he had decided 80% to apply for asylum and planned to go to South Korea. Just three days later, the Ukrainian government confirmed it could facilitate his relocation. Another captured soldier, Baek (21), said on a interview on Feb. 20 that he was also considering S. Korea as an option if he couldn’t return home.
S. Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the North Korean soldiers are recognized as South Korean nationals under the Constitution, and if their intent to defect is confirmed, the government will support them. With the Ukrainian government also signaling its support, the possibility of the soldiers reaching S. Korea is growing.
Chernyak added that the soldiers' needs are being met and that they are in a safe, secure location. Regarding the North Korean forces recently deployed to Ukraine, he noted that approximately 4,000 of them have been killed or seriously injured over the past two months. He also mentioned that some may return to the frontlines after recovering.
Chernyak noted that North Korean troops had pulled back after suffering significant losses since mid-January but were now regrouping and being redeployed. He estimated that around 6,000 North Korean soldiers remain in Ukraine, with an additional 150,000 expected to be sent.
While the North Korean soldiers initially struggled with tactics, Chernyak emphasized that they are rapidly adapting to modern warfare. He described them as skilled and professional fighters, unafraid of death and brave in battle. Despite Russian troops often underestimating them, Chernyak pointed out that the combat capabilities of North Korean soldiers are far greater than the Russians realize.
Chernyak also warned that North Korean troops pose a threat not only to Ukraine but to the entire Asia-Pacific region. He explained that, through their cooperation with Russia, North Korea has gained new technologies that could enable them to produce advanced weapons in the future.
