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A group of North Korean defectors based domestically disclosed publicly on the 24th a handwritten letter indicating the desire to defect to South Korea by two North Korean soldiers who were captured in Russia. In the letter, they stated, “We have decided to regard the people in South Korea as our parents and siblings and to seek their protection.” Although they had previously shared their intention to defect through media interviews and discussions with legislators, this marks the first time a handwritten letter has been released to the public. The North Korean soldiers, who are in their 20s, were stationed in Kursk, Russia, from October to November last year and were taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces in January.

Jang Se-yul, leader of the Korea United Solidarity organization, stated, “We have recently obtained handwritten letters from the two individuals via a journalist who specializes in conflict zones and who met the North Korean prisoners of war.” In the letters, they mentioned, “With the backing of the people in South Korea, new dreams and hopes have started to emerge.” They also wrote, “Take care until the day we reunite in South Korea. From a Ukrainian detention center.”

◇ “New Dreams and Ambitions Arising from the Support of South Koreans”

Domestic North Korean defector organizations sent videos, handwritten notes, and North Korean cuisine with messages of encouragement for the two people via a journalist who facilitated a meeting with the North Korean prisoners of war last October. It is reported that many defectors included messages in their letters, such as, “If you come to Seoul, I will be your mother or sister,” and “We are with you, so please find a way to stay alive regardless of the circumstances.” The North Korean soldiers who received the defectors’ messages of support are said to have written their own handwritten letters on the spot.

This marks the first instance where a handwritten letter from a North Korean prisoner of war has been disclosed publicly. In their message to domestic defectors who sent supportive letters, they stated, “We have deeply sensed your hearts, regarding us as your own sons and brothers,” and “We are thankful for your support, believing that this hardship is the start of a new life.”

Jang Se-yul, who revealed the letters, stated, “The letters were indeed authored by North Korean prisoners of war,” and “The two young men have clearly shown their desire to defect to South Korea.” Jang visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the same day to express their intention and was informed that actions are being taken.

Two North Korean prisoners of war were sent to Russia and taken by Ukrainian forces on the Kursk front in western Russia last January. Ukrainian officials are safeguarding and handling them in line with international humanitarian law. Later, Ukraine returned prisoners of war to Russia, but these two North Koreans were not among them.

This newspaper conducted the first media interview with them last February, and one of them, Mr. Ri Mo (26), said at that time, “I want to go to South Korea.” During a meeting with People Power Party legislator Yu Yong-weon, who had traveled to Ukraine, they repeated, “I definitely want to go to South Korea,” indicating their desire to defect. In a recording released by Representative Yu at the time, they mentioned, “If I were to return to my homeland through an exchange while currently being a prisoner of war, my parents would likely already be deceased. Thinking about this makes me feel exhausted all day.”

North Korean defector organizations consider the recently revealed handwritten letters as ‘evidence’ that both individuals wish to flee to South Korea. Last month, the ‘Emergency Committee for the Free Repatriation of North Korean Soldiers’ was established with the support of the NGO Council for North Korean Human Rights, involving approximately 80 North Korean human rights groups globally. People Power Party legislator Park Choong-kwon, a former North Korean defector, along with others, also introduced a resolution calling for the free repatriation of North Korean prisoner soldiers.

As constitutional citizens of South Korea, the Lee Jae-myung administration has declared that it will welcome them if their intention to defect is verified. A government representative mentioned, “Discussions are taking place between the South Korean and Ukrainian authorities,” and “We are working to facilitate their relocation.”

However, almost a year has elapsed since their capture, yet there have been no noticeable outcomes. Their return is contingent upon the Ukrainian government, but processes to verify their intentions via third-party organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross have not been initiated. A diplomatic source stated, “The U.S. government is not taking active measures, and the Lee Jae-myung administration, which aims to enhance inter-Korean relations, also appears inactive, cautious about North Korea’s responses.” There are worries that, depending on the future development of inter-Korean relations, the North Korean soldiers might end up as international orphans.

North Korea has deployed a total of 15,000 soldiers to Russia. According to the National Intelligence Service, which provided information to the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, the number of casualties among the North Korean forces sent abroad is estimated to be about 4,700, including roughly 600 who have been killed in combat.