North Korean POWs Repatriation Ukraine 2026: Lawmaker Urges Presidential Action
Rep. Yu Yong-weon urges South Korea to send special envoys to Ukraine for the repatriation of two North Korean POWs seeking asylum. Analysis of international law and diplomacy.
Enemies on the battlefield, or future citizens seeking freedom? The fate of two North Korean prisoners of war currently held in Ukraine has sparked a heated diplomatic debate in Seoul.
Urgent Call for Repatriation of North Korean POWs in Ukraine
On January 22, 2026, Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party formally requested President Lee Jae Myung to mobilize all diplomatic resources to bring the captives to South Korea. Rep. Yu, who personally met the soldiers in Kyiv in February 2025, emphasized that the soldiers have expressed a clear desire to defect.
Legal Framework: Non-Refoulement and International Protocols
The lawmaker argued that returning the prisoners to North Korea would violate the Third Geneva Convention and the principle of . Since October 2024, Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to support Russian forces. Yu insists that as potential members of the South Korean community, they deserve protection from the persecution they would inevitably face upon return to the North.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
South Korea's Unification Ministry seeks UNC consultation to reopen 3 DMZ Peace Trail sections in 2026. A look at the policy clash between Seoul and the U.N. Command.
KOSPI hits the 5000 mark milestone for the first time on Jan 22, 2026. President Lee Jae Myung's market reforms aim to shift from a Korea discount to a Korea premium.
South Korean FM Cho Hyun eyes a Q1 2026 meeting with China's Wang Yi to follow up on the recent Lee-Xi summit, focusing on maritime disputes and cultural exchange.
During the South Korea Italy Summit 2026 on Jan 19, President Lee Jae Myung and PM Giorgia Meloni agreed to boost cooperation in AI and chips, sealed with a pink Galaxy Z Flip 7 gift.
South Korea's Unification Ministry seeks UNC consultation to reopen 3 DMZ Peace Trail sections in 2026. A look at the policy clash between Seoul and the U.N. Command.
KOSPI hits the 5000 mark milestone for the first time on Jan 22, 2026. President Lee Jae Myung's market reforms aim to shift from a Korea discount to a Korea premium.
South Korean FM Cho Hyun eyes a Q1 2026 meeting with China's Wang Yi to follow up on the recent Lee-Xi summit, focusing on maritime disputes and cultural exchange.
During the South Korea Italy Summit 2026 on Jan 19, President Lee Jae Myung and PM Giorgia Meloni agreed to boost cooperation in AI and chips, sealed with a pink Galaxy Z Flip 7 gift.