The Democratic Party of Korea supports accepting North Korean soldiers from Ukraine as defectors, advocating for their rights under South Korean law. This follows a resolution by the People Power Party for their humanitarian protection, highlighting bipartisan agreement on the issue of North Korean POWs and their potential suffering if returned to North Korea.
On February 26, 2025, the Democratic Party of Korea publicly stated its support for accepting North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine as defectors, consistent with laws safeguarding North Koreans who are displaced. Rep. Jin Sung-joon emphasized that the party does not oppose these soldiers’ defection but cautioned against politicizing the situation to avoid escalating tensions with Russia or North Korea. He highlighted the importance of handling such defection quietly rather than using it for domestic political gain.
This endorsement by the Democratic Party follows a resolution from the rival People Power Party advocating for the humanitarian protection of the detained North Korean soldiers. Rep. Kim Gi-hyeon, who initiated the resolution, remarked that the South Korean political system cannot ignore the human rights violations faced by the North Korean captives, urging collaboration across party lines. He pointed out that these soldiers are victims forced into combat, deserving of the same rights as South Korean citizens under the Constitution.
The resolution has garnered support from 22 lawmakers within the People Power Party, highlighting notable figures including Rep. Park Choong-kwon, who himself defected from North Korea in 2009. The People Power Party’s leaders, including Rep. Kwon Young-se, have actively called for expedited measures to facilitate the defection of the North Korean captives.
Additionally, Rep. Sung Il-jong, chair of the National Assembly’s national defense committee, stressed the need for South Korean intelligence and foreign affairs agencies to provide all necessary support to these North Korean soldiers. He warned that returning them to North Korea could result in severe punishment, including torture and labor camp imprisonment, if they are forcibly sent back after expressing a desire to defect.
The Democratic Party of Korea has now aligned with the People Power Party in advocating for the acceptance of North Korean soldiers as defectors. Both parties emphasize the humanitarian response to these soldiers’ circumstances while cautioning against political exploitation. The bipartisan agreement highlights a growing urgency in addressing the fate of the North Korean POWs, balancing political strategies with humanitarian concerns.
Original Source: asianews.network
