North Korean POWs in Ukraine fear retaliation against families in the North

Two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces and later interviewed by journalist Kim Young-mi revealed deep fears for their families in the North. Using the aliases Ri Kang-un and Paik Pyong-kang, they described severe injuries from gunfire and a drone strike and reiterated a strong desire to be transferred to South Korea. Ri warned that repatriation could lead to his family’s suffering, while Paik said his parents were unaware of his deployment and feared similar consequences.

The interviews, aired on the program “PD Note,” have become a flashpoint as South Korea’s opposition criticizes the government’s decision to keep the prisoners’ arrival confidential. Officials argue the secrecy protects the defectors and their relatives, while critics suspect political motives.