Demand for Mass Repatriation of 6 Unconverted Long-term Prisoners Aged 90-80... Ministry of Unification in a Dilemma with No Response from North Korea
- Input
- 2025-08-19 11:24:52
- Updated
- 2025-08-19 11:24:52
The Ministry of Unification is considering the repatriation of these unconverted long-term prisoners on humanitarian grounds, but with no response from North Korea, unilateral repatriation is difficult. The repatriation of unconverted long-term prisoners to North Korea has not occurred since the first repatriation in 2000.
According to the Ministry of Unification and civic groups on the 19th, it has been reported that six unconverted long-term prisoners, including Yang Won-jin (96), Ahn Hak-seop (95), Park Soo-bun (94), Yang Hee-chul (91), Kim Young-sik (91), and Lee Kwang-geun (80), have recently requested repatriation. They all hold South Korean nationality. Some had converted in the past, but the individuals claim it was forced conversion.
Previously, the Ahn Hak-seop Repatriation Promotion Group held a press conference on the 18th of last month, urging the repatriation of Mr. Ahn through Panmunjom in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. It is known that the other five unconverted long-term prisoners also demanded repatriation from the government after the conference.
Mr. Ahn's side has requested the government for support in notifying North Korea, passing through the civilian control line, and coordinating with the United Nations Command (UNC) for travel and repatriation procedures, stating they will depart from Imjingak in Paju at 10 AM on the 20th and head to Panmunjom.
Mr. Ahn was arrested in April 1953 and sentenced under the National Security Act (treason) and served 42 years before being released in 1995. During the Kim Dae-jung administration, 63 unconverted long-term prisoners were repatriated through Panmunjom in September 2000 following the June 15th North-South Joint Declaration, but Mr. Ahn remained, stating he would "fight until the US military leaves."
A Ministry of Unification official stated, "The government is reviewing various options on humanitarian grounds regarding the issue of unconverted long-term prisoners, including Mr. Ahn Hak-seop," but added, "However, regarding the repatriation request for August 20th, it is difficult at the moment due to the tight schedule and the need for coordination with North Korea and cooperation with related agencies." rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo
rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo