Unification Minister Meets with Ukrainian Ambassador to Korea Today... Discusses 'Return of North Korean Military Prisoners'

On the 21st, Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification, will meet with the Ukrainian ambassador to South Korea to discuss the issue of repatriating North Korean military prisoners of war.

Kim Young-ho, Minister of Unification

According to the Ministry of Unification, Minister Kim will receive Dmytro Pono Marenko, the Ukrainian ambassador to South Korea, at the Government Seoul Office Building in the afternoon. It is expected to be an opportunity to repeatedly explain the South Korean government's position regarding the repatriation of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian authorities. Kim In-ae, deputy spokesperson of the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing, "There is nothing to confirm regarding the background of the schedule's arrangement," but added, "It is expected that they will discuss issues that the public is interested in."

The two North Korean soldiers in their 20s, captured by the Ukrainian military, caused a stir last month by expressing their intention to defect in an interview with the Chosun Ilbo at a local prisoner-of-war camp. According to the South Korean constitution, North Korean soldiers are considered our citizens, and the government has consistently stated that if they wish to come to South Korea, they will be fully accepted in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Since the defectors' intentions have been confirmed through media and other channels, the government is in ongoing consultations with Ukraine, a party to the war. Earlier, on the 17th, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol also spoke with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Syvokha, urging active cooperation.