NIS: “Consultations on Repatriation of North Korean POWs Held Privately at Ukraine’s Request”
The National Intelligence Service (NIS) announced on the 30th that South Korean and Ukrainian authorities have agreed to conduct consultations regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) privately from the initial stages.
This decision was reportedly made following a strong request from the Ukrainian side. The Ukrainian government had initially conveyed its position to the South Korean side, emphasizing the need to maintain strict security throughout the consultation process.
While the NIS did not disclose specific reasons for this private agreement, it is interpreted as a measure taken in consideration of the international political situation and the importance of military security. Currently, both countries are continuing discussions quietly without disclosing related matters to the outside world.
International attention has been focused on the North Korean troops recently deployed to the war in Ukraine. Given the highly sensitive nature of this issue, the South Korean government plans to respect Ukraine's security requests and respond cautiously.
Attention is now focused on how the issue of repatriating North Korean POWs will unfold. The government stated that it will inform the public of relevant information within the scope of what can be disclosed transparently.