The government stated that "when a North Korean soldier captured by the Ukrainian military requests to go to South Korea, we will provide necessary protection and support in accordance with the basic principle and related laws that all will be accepted."
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official noted on the 19th that "North Korean soldiers are our citizens under the constitution, and respecting the individual's freedom of will regarding the repatriation of prisoners aligns with international law and practices, and they should not be sent back to a place where there is a threat of persecution against their will."
He added, "We have already communicated our government's position to the Ukrainian side and will continue necessary consultations."
Earlier, Mr. Lee, a North Korean soldier captured by the Ukrainian military, expressed his intention to go to South Korea in an interview published that day with Chosunilbo, stating, "First, I plan to apply for asylum and think about going to the Republic of Korea."