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Seoul's POW Dilemma: Why Elderly Repatriation Won't Free South Korean Detainees

South Korea has made it clear that while it wants to send some elderly prisoners of war back to North Korea, this effort is separate from trying to get its own citizens released. The government says it's acting for humanitarian reasons, not as part of a prisoner swap. This comes after reports suggested a possible link between the two groups of people. Meanwhile, several South Koreans, including missionaries, remain detained in the North with their fates unknown.

Key Points: South Korea Seeks Repatriation of Elderly North Korean POWs

  • South Korea dismisses reported swap deal for POWs and detained nationals
  • Government cites humanitarian grounds for elderly POW repatriation plan
  • Six "unconverted" former North Korean soldiers and spies seek to return home
  • Three South Korean missionaries held for over a decade on anti-state charges
  • Unification ministry calls detainee issue "urgent," seeks dialogue with North Korea
2 min read

Seoul not mulling inking North Korean POWs' repatriation to issue of South Korean detainees

South Korea clarifies it will repatriate elderly North Korean POWs on humanitarian grounds but is not linking the issue to six South Korean detainees held in the North.

"From the humanitarian grounds, the government will seek to repatriate unconverted long-term North Korean POWs. But it is not currently considering linking the issue to efforts to win the release of our nationals detained in the North. - South Korean Unification Ministry official"

Seoul, Dec 4

The South Korean unification ministry said on Thursday that it is seeking to repatriate elderly "unconverted long-term" North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) but not considering linking the issue with efforts to win the release of six South Koreans detained in the North.

Citing Seoul's national security adviser, NK News, a US news outlet centered on North Korea, reported that South Korea is willing to discuss the repatriation of unconverted, long-term North Korean POWs in an effort to bring home South Korean nationals detained in the North.

The report came after during a press conference with foreign media Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said he had never heard of South Korean detainees in North Korea and lacks information on individual cases, when asked about the government's plan to secure their release.

The unification ministry dismissed the report Thursday, saying that the government is not currently considering measures to swap such North Korean POWs with South Koreans detained in the North.

"From the humanitarian grounds, the government will seek to repatriate unconverted long-term North Korean POWs. But it is not currently considering linking the issue to efforts to win the release of our nationals detained in the North," a ministry official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Ahn Hak-sop, a 95-year-old who once served as a North Korean soldier, has called on the government to repatriate him to North Korea via China or Russia.

He is one of six elderly former North Korean soldiers and spies who have yet to renounce their communist beliefs linked to North Korea, despite having spent decades in prison in the South.

Currently, three South Korean missionaries -- Kim Jung-wook, Kim Kook-kie and Choi Chun-gil -- have been detained in North Korea for more than a decade on anti-state charges. Three former North Korean defectors, who had obtained South Korean citizenship, were held captive in 2016.

North Korea has not confirmed their whereabouts or fates, Yonhap news agency reported.

The unification ministry said it recognizes the "urgent" need to resolve the detainee issue and is making efforts to address it through dialogue with North Korea.

"The government will make multifaceted efforts to secure the release of South Korean nationals detained in the North," it said.

int/jk/

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The plight of those three missionaries detained for over a decade is heartbreaking. Their families must be in agony. While the elderly POWs deserve compassion, the priority must be citizens held against their will. The government's "multifaceted efforts" need to show results, not just words.
A
Ananya R
It's interesting to see how South Korea handles its North Korea problem. Reminds me of the delicate balance we sometimes have to maintain with our neighbours. Pure humanitarian gestures without political strings attached are rare, but perhaps the right way to start building some trust? 🤔
V
Vikram M
The President saying he "never heard" of the detainees is shocking! How can the head of state be so out of the loop on such a sensitive issue? The ministry officials seem to have a clearer handle on things. Shows a disconnect at the top.
K
Karthik V
These are people, not bargaining chips. Sending back elderly POWs who have spent decades in prison is basic humanity. At 95, let the man go home. The detained South Koreans are a separate tragedy that needs relentless diplomatic pressure. Mixing the two helps no one.
P
Priya S
The article mentions defectors who obtained South Korean citizenship being captured. That's terrifying. It shows how vulnerable people can be even after escaping. Makes you appreciate the relative stability we have here, despite all our challenges. Jai Hind.

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