An interview video with two North Korean prisoners of war who were deployed to Russia and captured by Ukrainian forces has been released.
MBC "PD Notebook," which aired on the 20th, reported on the current situation of North Korean prisoners of war, a person surnamed Ri (27) and a person surnamed Paek (22). The interview was conducted by Kim Young-mi, a producer specializing in international conflicts, at a detention facility in Ukraine in Oct. last year.
They were deployed to Russia in 2024 and sent into the Battle of Kursk, a border area, and were captured by Ukrainian forces in Jan. last year. At the time, Ukrainian authorities released the prisoners' personal details and interrogation videos, bringing the case to the attention of the international community for the first time.
Ri said in the interview, "I am certainly willing to go to Korea," adding, "But I keep wondering whether I can actually go. Even so, my desire is earnest." Ri added, "I don't even know if my mother is alive now," and said, "I am worried that something may have happened because of me."
About how it feels to be a prisoner, Ri said, "It is uncomfortable to be alive," and, "Becoming a prisoner is the same as becoming a traitor. It is like betraying the country." Ri said, "Other comrades said they would not be taken prisoner and blew themselves up, but I could not do that," adding, "I think the regret of not dying then will come back hundreds of times over in my life ahead."
Paek, who was captured together with Ri, also said, "Russian soldiers and Joseon soldiers are different. Joseon soldiers are taught that they cannot become prisoners," and added, "The very fact of having become a prisoner is a crime." Paek also said, "If I return to North Korea, it will be hard to survive."
Paek said, "We were taught that it is better to die than to live so miserably as a prisoner," but added, "Still, we are the same people—who would want to die? Being driven into a dead-end situation with no options forces that choice." Paek went on to say, "I hope to go to Korea, not Joseon."
Their injuries and the circumstances of their capture were also disclosed in the broadcast. Ri was captured after suffering severe injuries in battle when a bullet pierced an arm and went through the jaw. Ri has now recovered but has a scar on the jaw. Paek suffered a serious leg injury in a drone attack and had a metal rod inserted, and is currently living with the aid of crutches.
Earlier, the two had repeatedly expressed their intention to defect to Korea through meetings with People Power Party lawmaker Yu Yong-weon last year. More recently, the defector group Gyerueol Unification Coalition released handwritten letters from them expressing their hope to travel to Korea.
The government regards North Korean prisoners of war as citizens of the Republic of Korea under the Constitution and plans to provide support in accordance with the principle of accepting all of them if their intention to defect is confirmed. This position has reportedly been conveyed to the Ukrainian government.