Ukraine and South Korea are discussing the repatriation of North Korean soldiers. South Korea is willing to accept two POWs, while reports indicate both soldiers are part of North Korea’s military intelligence, not special operations. Interviews reveal their unit affiliations, enhancing the understanding of North Korea’s military organization.
Discussions between South Korea and Ukraine have focused on the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces. The talks were confirmed by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, highlighting a phone conversation between South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha. Cho expressed South Korea’s willingness to accept two North Korean POWs if they choose to be repatriated.
Reports of these consultations began in January 2025. Under South Korea’s constitution, the entire Korean Peninsula is recognized as South Korean territory, which means all North Korean residents are viewed as South Korean citizens. To date, no captured North Korean soldiers have expressed a desire to be transferred to South Korea.
On February 19, the Chosun Ilbo published interviews with the captured soldiers identified as Ri, a 26-year-old sniper-reconnaissance officer, and Baek, a 21-year-old rifleman. Both prisoners are affiliated with the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB) of North Korea’s military, challenging earlier speculation about their service in the 11th “Storm” Corps.
The RGB is North Korea’s military intelligence agency, though the precise unit of these officers remains unclear. The RGB encompasses units 180, 91, and 525, and it is conceivable that due to military reforms, certain RGB units have been integrated into special operations forces during the conflict in the Kursk oblast.
In summary, South Korea and Ukraine are actively discussing the repatriation of captured North Korean soldiers, with South Korea open to accepting them. The recognition of North Korean residents as South Korean citizens underlines the complexities of this situation. The captured soldiers have provided insights into their military affiliations, marking a significant development in understanding North Korea’s military structure amid ongoing tensions.
Original Source: mil.in.ua
