South Korea recalled its ambassador over the interrogation of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine

Situation with North Korean Soldiers

According to ХВИЛЯ: Two North Korean soldiers, who were captured by Ukrainian forces, are currently being interrogated by South Korean intelligence at a secure facility. This incident has caused a diplomatic conflict between Kyiv and Seoul, leading South Korea to recall its ambassador from Ukraine. The soldiers, Ri (27 years old, reconnaissance sniper) and Pak (22 years old, shooter), were part of approximately 15,000 military personnel sent by North Korea to Russia since October 2024. After 20 months in captivity, they were handed over to South Korea in mid-September.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the information about the transfer of captives at the UN General Assembly, where the Ukrainian authorities also released a video showing the faces and personal details of the soldiers. South Korean officials believe that this transfer was the result of an agreement that was supposed to remain secret. Seoul decided to recall its ambassador due to Zelensky's statement and comments by presidential adviser Vladyslav Vlasenko regarding the supply of South Korean petroleum products to Russia. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the situation as a diplomatic misunderstanding.

Circumstances of Captivity and Ideological Training

Soldier Ri sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and jaw on the fourth day of fighting, while Pak was injured a few days before being captured. During the provision of aid, a Ukrainian commander took Pak's last grenade. North Korean soldiers consider capture to be the gravest crime, punishable by death for them and for three generations of their families. The captives reported that they were sent to Russia to fight after three months of training in Vladivostok.

Ideological lessons in the North Korean army begin at 8 o'clock in the morning and last about two hours. Soldiers are trained to consider sacrificing their lives for the regime, the party, and the leader as an honorable duty. As noted by Lee Hyun Shin,

“soldiers are taught that it is natural - and honorable - to sacrifice their lives for the regime, the party, and the leader without hesitation.”

The South Korean National Intelligence Service conducts checks on captives for up to 90 days, with a possible extension of 30 days. After the checking process is completed, Ri and Pak may be included in an adaptation program for North Korean defectors, which entails a 12-week course at the Hanawon center. In turn, Pyongyang is getting ready to send new troops to Russia, as the war brings North Korea currency, combat experience, and a new patron in Moscow. Expert Andrii Lankov noted that although the alliance between North Korea and Russia may not last long, North Korean munitions were critical for Russia two to three years ago due to a severe shortage of ammunition.

Ri and Pak are the only known North Koreans who survived captivity. Most North Korean military personnel were sent to Kursk, where they were used in infantry assaults, artillery, and reconnaissance without proper training.

“It is not easy to take these guys alive. That is how people are raised in North Korea... And they are indoctrinated that they must die, no matter what happens,”

emphasized Volodymyr Zelensky.

This situation underscores the complexity and tension between South Korea and Ukraine, as well as the impact of the war in Ukraine on international relations. Both countries are trying to find a balance between their interests, considering the threats from North Korea and the need to support security in the region. Given the historical ties between North Korea and Russia, the further development of events may affect the security situation in East Asia and also the international community's attitude towards the conflict in Ukraine.

The recent diplomatic tensions between South Korea and Ukraine have escalated, prompting Seoul to take decisive action. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to understand the broader context of the conflict and the implications of Ukraine's acknowledgment regarding the disclosure of sensitive information about the captured soldiers. This has led to Kyiv's apology and South Korea's planned response, highlighting the complexities of international relations in this instance.