Zelenskyy Says "Two North Korean POWs Sent to South Korea"; Government Effectively Acknowledges It

[Financial News] The government neither confirmed nor denied reports on January 24 that two North Korean soldiers captured by the Ukrainian military would be repatriated to South Korea.
However, a government official said, "It is difficult to confirm whether, when, or through what channels decisions will be made regarding the custody of individual personnel, as well as the details of specific consultations between the two countries." This was interpreted as the government effectively acknowledging Volodymyr Zelenskyy's statement about sending the North Korean POWs to South Korea, since it did not deny his remarks.
An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said on the issue of repatriating the North Korean POWs, "We have consistently maintained the position that the matter should be resolved in a manner that respects the individuals' free will and complies with international law and humanitarian principles."
The official added, "In line with this position, we have engaged in the necessary communication and consultations with Ukraine and other relevant countries and organizations."
The official noted, "This is a sensitive matter related to the personal safety of the individuals involved and their families," and added, "It is difficult to confirm the details of the specific consultations."
Meanwhile, in a speech to the UN General Assembly on January 23 local time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced, "Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea."
The two North Korean POWs were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January last year. Since then, they have expressed their intention to defect to South Korea through media interviews and handwritten letters delivered to groups of North Korean defectors.
[email protected] Kim Gyu-sung Reporter