Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Seoul treads legal, ethical minefield over fate of North Korean POWs in Ukraine

The absence of North Korean POWs Ri and Baek from a recent exchange has sparked debate over their potential transfer to South Korea, highlighting legal implications under international law and risks of repatriation.

2026-02-11

North Koreans captured by Ukraine could hold POW status, Unification Ministry says

North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine could now be considered prisoners of war, following Pyongyang’s official acknowledgment of its troop deployment to Russia.

2025-04-29

Chinese mercenary POWs speak out on role in Ukraine war: 'Russia is not strong'

Two Chinese nationals captured in Ukraine after joining the Russian military as mercenaries claimed they were deceived by false promises made by Russians.

2025-04-15

Kim Jong-un must pay damages to POWs, court rules

A Seoul court Tuesday ruled North Korea must pay damages to two former South Korean prisoners of war (POWs) who escaped the North decades after their capture during the 1950-53 Korean War.

2020-07-07