North Korean Soldiers in Ukraine: A Diplomatic Impasse and Fears of Reprisal
Over a year after Ukrainian forces captured two North Korean soldiers in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, their fate remains uncertain. The men, who have requested asylum in South Korea, face a harrowing prospect: potential punishment, even death, if repatriated to North Korea. This situation has sparked criticism of the South Korean government, accused of dragging its feet on the issue.
The Perilous Choice: Surrender vs. Suicide
According to one soldier’s account, relayed by the South Korean newspaper Hankook Ilbo, returning to North Korea is a death sentence. “I won’t survive [going back]. Everyone else blew themselves up. I failed,” he stated, highlighting the extreme pressure placed on North Korean soldiers to avoid capture. North Korean military doctrine reportedly prohibits surrender, with soldiers instructed to take their own lives rather than be taken prisoner. Kim Eujin, a North Korean defector who fled in the 1990s, explained that these men defied those orders.
International Concerns and the Question of Protocol
The United Nations has also intervened, with its special rapporteur on North Korean human rights urging Ukraine to adhere to international protocol and avoid sending the soldiers to a location where they could face torture. The men fear not only punishment for themselves but also repercussions for their families, adhering to the North Korean principle that “a defector brings punishment to three generations.” Peter Oh, from the US-based Free Korean Association, notes that historically, returning POWs during and after the Korean War faced forced labor and were labeled as hostile elements.
South Korea’s Hesitation: Balancing Constitutional Rights and Geopolitical Strategy
Despite Article 3 of the South Korean constitution recognizing North Koreans as citizens with the right to reside in the South, Seoul has been slow to act. Experts suggest this delay stems from the complex diplomatic landscape involving Ukraine, Russia, North Korea and South Korea. The situation is further complicated by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s stated desire to improve relations with Pyongyang, and Article 4 of the South Korean constitution which focuses on “peaceful relations with the North.”
A Stalled Dialogue and Potential Handover to Russia
Discussions between Seoul and Kyiv appear to have reached a standstill. A report by the Korea Institute for National Unification emphasized the necessitate for direct communication between the leaders of both countries to break the deadlock. Without a resolution, Ukraine may be compelled to hand the soldiers over to Russia. North Korea has not publicly commented on the situation, but behind-the-scenes talks may be underway.
The Broader Context: North Korea’s Support for Russia
This case unfolds against a backdrop of increasing North Korean support for Russia’s war in Ukraine. Recent reports indicate that approximately 11,000 North Korean troops are stationed in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, and North Korea is supplying Russia with millions of artillery shells and other munitions. This support is not merely about manpower. it’s a significant industrial and logistical contribution, sustaining Russia’s firepower in an attritional conflict.
FAQ
Q: What will happen to the North Korean soldiers if they are returned to North Korea?
A: They likely face severe punishment, potentially including execution, for violating military doctrine by allowing themselves to be captured.
Q: Why is South Korea hesitant to accept the soldiers?
A: The South Korean government is likely navigating complex geopolitical considerations and attempting to maintain a dialogue with North Korea.
Q: What is North Korea’s stance on soldiers who surrender?
A: North Korean military doctrine prohibits surrender, and soldiers are reportedly instructed to kill themselves to avoid capture.
Q: Could the soldiers’ families be affected?
A: Yes, North Korea has a policy of punishing the families of those deemed traitors for up to three generations.
Kim Eujin believes Ukraine could release the men without violating international law, and criticizes the South Korean government for prioritizing relations with Pyongyang over the soldiers’ human rights. “If it was just about their human rights, then they would already have arrived here. It is almost as if the government here is trying to find reasons for them not to come.”
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