2 North Korean POWs captured in Ukraine arrive in South Korea

Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces have arrived in South Korea. People Power Party lawmaker Jung Joo-won, who had consistently pushed for their transfer to South Korea, said he had known about their arrival in advance but withheld the information out of concern for their safety.

Jung held a press conference at the National Assembly on Thursday, saying the two men had "safely arrived in South Korea a few days ago," according to Yonhap.

"I was aware of their arrival beforehand, but exercised strict confidentiality — refraining from disclosing the fact — placing the highest priority on the national interest, including the personal safety of the individuals concerned and diplomatic relations," Jung said.

Jung had consistently called for the repatriation of the two North Korean soldiers. He said he traveled to Ukraine in February last year, met with the two men in person, confirmed their wish to come to South Korea, and then urged the government to actively pursue repatriation negotiations.

During a return visit to Ukraine this past February, he said he also asked both the South Korean government and Ukrainian authorities to ensure the men would not be sent back to North Korea against their will.

Jung expressed regret, however, that the repatriation was first made public through Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rather than through the South Korean government. "Our government should have taken a more proactive and assertive approach," he said.

He added that "the most urgent task is to help these two young men settle stably into our society," and urged the state to provide protection and support to help them heal from their physical and psychological wounds.

Jung also said that, within the bounds of ensuring their personal safety, an opportunity should be created for the two men to speak directly about the realities of North Korea's involvement in the war in Ukraine.