Two captured North Korean soldiers held in South Korea are at the center of a deepening diplomatic dispute between Seoul and Kyiv, following the public disclosure of their transfer from Ukraine. Ri, 27, a reconnaissance sniper, and Paek, 22, a rifleman, were among approximately 15,000 North Korean troops deployed to Russia since October 2024 under leader Kim Jong Un’s strategy to bolster the country’s revenues and military strength by supporting Russian forces.
After only a few days of combat, the two were captured by Ukrainian forces and detained for nearly 20 months before being transferred to South Korea in mid-September. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s revelation of this transfer during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly surprised South Korean officials, who reportedly believed that the arrangement would remain confidential. Prior to this, Ukrainian authorities publicly released footage and personal information of the soldiers and permitted interviews, including with South Korean media—actions that experts warn could contravene the Geneva Convention and potentially endanger the families of the prisoners.
In response, South Korea recalled its ambassador from Kyiv, also citing remarks from Zelenskyy’s sanctions adviser about South Korean oil shipments to Russia. A South Korean diplomatic source emphasized the government’s expectation for a peaceful resolution through ongoing consultations. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha described the incident as a “diplomatic misunderstanding.”
Ri and Paek are the only known surviving North Korean captives from the deployment, providing rare insight into the challenges faced by these troops. Most of the North Korean contingent has been stationed near Kursk, engaged in infantry attacks, artillery operations, and reconnaissance with minimal preparation.
During interrogation, Ri said he was told he was being sent abroad for training. He underwent nearly three months of preparation in Vladivostok before being deployed. After four days of fighting, he was wounded and surrendered. Both men reportedly attempted suicide to avoid capture, with a Ukrainian commander allegedly removing the last grenade from Paek during medical treatment.
Zelenskyy has highlighted the intense indoctrination North Korean soldiers undergo, conditioning them to choose death over capture. Lee Hyun-seung, a former North Korean soldier residing in the United States, described daily ideological sessions designed to instill loyalty to the regime and the leader, teaching soldiers that sacrificing their lives is honorable. Fear of repercussions against prisoners’ families also heavily influences their mentality.
South Korean documentary maker Kim Young-mi, who interviewed the men in Ukraine, noted that surrendering alive is considered the gravest crime by Pyongyang, punishable by death and the extermination of three generations of relatives. Experts say returning prisoners would likely face severe punishment and public shaming.
In South Korea, the National Intelligence Service is verifying the identities and gathering intelligence from the soldiers, a process that can last up to 90 days. Following this, Ri and Paek are expected to enter a resettlement program for North Korean defectors, which includes a 12-week course at the Hanawon centre, along with ongoing support such as housing, employment, and security.
Recent reports indicate North Korea may continue sending troops to fight in Ukraine. Analysts say the war has been a significant source of hard currency, military experience, and diplomatic leverage for Pyongyang through its alliance with Moscow. However, some experts suggest North Korea’s strategic importance to Russia may be diminishing as the conflict evolves.
The future of Ri and Paek remains uncertain, but some hope they can move beyond their military past and pursue civilian lives. Kim Young-mi, the filmmaker, expressed a wish that they might eventually be remembered as ordinary young men with aspirations in areas like singing and computing.