Minister Cho Tae-yeol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted on the 26th regarding the repatriation of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces that, "If their intention to defect is clear, we must naturally accept them as citizens of the Republic of Korea in accordance with constitutional provisions and take necessary measures."
On the same day, Minister Cho said during a National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting in response to a question from People Power Party lawmaker Kim Ki-hyun, "Since it's not a situation where the individual's intention is 100% determined, I believe it will gradually become clear."
Earlier, two North Korean soldiers were captured in the Kursk region of western Russia. Among them, Mr. Lee said in an interview with Chosunilbo published on the 19th, "I have made an 80% decision," adding, "First, I want to apply for refugee status and go to the Republic of Korea."
Afterward, the government informed Ukraine of its principle to accept them if their intention to defect is confirmed. The Ministry of National Defense's Main Intelligence Directorate indicated that repatriation to South Korea is possible.
The government has confirmed that it is proceeding with the selection process for the successor of Consul General Kim Ui-hwan, who sparked controversy for making inappropriate remarks at the Liberation Day event last year.
Minister Cho said in response to a related inquiry from Democratic Party lawmaker Kwon Chil-seung, "I have been informed that the Consul General (Kim Ui-hwan) only expressed his intention to resign externally and did not submit a resignation letter," and added, "Since he has expressed his intention, he is included in the candidates for the spring personnel changes for consuls."
During the Liberation Day commemorative event held in New York on August 15 last year, as the head of the New York branch of the Korean Liberation Association criticized the movement for establishing a Day of Foundation, Kim made headlines by saying, "I wondered if I should be sitting here listening to such nonsensical remarks."
In his speech, he expressed, "Today is a day to deeply remember the noble sacrifices of our patriotic martyrs and to express gratitude to the United States for bringing liberation from Japanese colonial rule," and stated, "We must crush the North Korean-leftist forces within the Republic of Korea."