President Zelenskiy says he has sent two North Korean soldiers to South Korea

[Seoul Current Affairs] On the 23rd, President Zelenskiy of Ukraine announced in his general debate speech at the United Nations General Assembly that he had sent two North Korean soldiers to South Korea who were sent to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine and were captured by the Ukrainian military. After being taken prisoner, the two men expressed their intention to defect to South Korea. The South Korean government also effectively approved the transfer.

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According to South Korean media, this is the first time that a North Korean soldier captured by the Ukrainian military has been transferred to South Korea.

"When one of them realized that he would be taken prisoner, he attempted suicide and was shocked that fate would not let him die," Zelenskiy said. "This is the way we raise people in North Korea. We are taking away their freedom and the right to make choices," he said. He also criticized Kim Jong-un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, for ``using soldiers like currency and getting something in return.''

An official from South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained to Jiji Press, ``We have been holding necessary communications and discussions with the Ukrainian side and other related countries and organizations.'' He declined to confirm the timing or route, saying, ``This is a sensitive matter that concerns the safety of the people involved and their families.''