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Two soldiers from North Korea who were taken prisoner in Ukraine have written handwritten letters stating their desire to switch allegiance to South Korea.

As reported by the North Korean defector organization Gyoreul Tongil Yeon-dae on the 24th, the two soldiers recently passed on the letters via Kim Young-mi, a producer specializing in conflict zones.

The messages stated, “We regard the people in South Korea as our parents and siblings, and we have chosen to embrace them.” Speaking to the defectors who sent the letters, they wrote, “Once again, we thank those of you who have encouraged us, as we believe this situation is not a tragedy but the beginning of a new life. We will personally meet you in South Korea to express our thanks.” They also mentioned, “With the support of South Koreans, new dreams and hopes have started to take root. Please remain safe until the day we meet in South Korea,” ending the letter.

It is reported that the soldiers composed the letters during a gathering with Kim on October 28 at a prisoner-of-war facility close to Kyiv, Ukraine.

The group stated, “Through this response, the two young men have clearly shown their desire to defect to South Korea.” Although their intentions to leave had been previously mentioned through third-party sources, this letter—seen as direct tangible proof of their wishes—might help move forward talks regarding their transfer to South Korea.

Yu Yong-weon, a member of the People Power Party, mentioned in February that North Korean soldiers he met in Ukraine showed a strong wish to relocate to South Korea. The government has declared its policy to recognize all North Korean soldiers as South Korean citizens under the Constitution if their intention to defect is verified, and it has conveyed this position to the Ukrainian authorities.