
Photo: Yonhap
South Korean Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lee Jae-won
The South Korean constitution defines the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, effectively recognizing all residents of the peninsula as its citizens.
The South Korean government plans to hold consultations with Ukraine on the transfer of North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian military, South Korea's Foreign Ministry said on January 14, Yonhap reported.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Lee Jae-won commented on the information about the capture of two North Koreans and a video in which one of the North Korean soldiers stated that he wanted to stay and live in Ukraine.
"Since North Korean soldiers are our citizens according to the Constitution, (the government — ed.) plans to hold talks with Ukraine if they request a transfer to South Korea," the spokesman said.
As you know, the Constitution of South Korea defines the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, effectively recognizing all residents of the peninsula as its citizens.
A ministry spokesman said that neither of the two captured soldiers had expressed any intention to defect to South Korea, adding that the country's relevant authorities are currently in contact with Ukraine on issues affecting them.
Recently, South Korea's intelligence agency confirmed Ukraine's capture of two North Korean soldiers last week and promised to work closely with Ukraine to continue exchanging relevant information.