Yu Yong-weon: "Two North Korean POWs Agreed for Transfer in June... Arrived in South Korea 3 to 4 Days Ago"

Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's surprise disclosure that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces were recently sent to South Korea, People Power Party Lawmaker Yu Yong-weon stated, "It has been learned that the two individuals arrived safely in the Republic of Korea a few days ago."

Holding a press conference at the National Assembly on September 24, Lawmaker Yu said, "While we were aware of their entry into the country in advance, we strictly maintained confidentiality and refrained from disclosing related facts, giving top priority to national interests such as the personal safety of the individuals and diplomatic relations."

Meeting with reporters after the press conference, Lawmaker Yu remarked regarding the timing of the North Korean prisoners of war's arrival, "I understand that they departed Ukraine last weekend, transited through a third country, and arrived in South Korea three to four days ago." He added, "While I do not know their exact current location, I believe our intelligence and related agencies are protecting them."

Regarding the background of the transfer negotiations between South Korea and Ukraine, he said, "I understand both nations reached an agreement in principle on the transfer last June. Ukraine secretly dispatched a special envoy, and a basic agreement on the transfer of prisoners was reached between our diplomatic authorities and high-ranking officials; later, it is understood that the transfer of prisoners was finally reaffirmed through a South Korea–Ukraine foreign ministers' meeting."


When asked whether Ukraine had attached conditions such as weapons or humanitarian assistance to the transfer of the prisoners, he replied, "As far as I know, there were no conditions."

Lawmaker Yu stated, "I express deep gratitude to the Ukrainian government for providing unsparing cooperation from a humanitarian standpoint, as well as to our government for its working-level efforts," but added, "A slight sense of regret remains regarding our government's response."

Lawmaker Yu also pointed out, "A matter of great importance came to light not through an official announcement by our government, but first through the mouth of President Zelenskyy," adding, "As a sovereign state and as the entity that embraces and protects them as citizens of the Republic of Korea under our Constitution, our government should have taken a more proactive and active stance."

He emphasized, "The most urgent task is to help these two young men settle stably into our society," adding, "The government must not spare full national protection and meticulous support so they can heal their physical and mental wounds."

He further urged, "North Korea is advancing its weapons systems by introducing Russia's latest military technology at the expense of its young people's lives," stressing, "I hope an opportunity will be arranged soon for them to speak directly to our people about the reality of North Korean troops participating in the war in Ukraine, to the extent that the safety of the two individuals is guaranteed."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.