◆ Released Videos Are Also Being Watched by North Korean Authorities
Kang also points out that "Video releases should be careful to avoid harm to them and their families."
Ukrainian authorities released the videos worldwide on social media without hiding their faces. Was this communicated to Soldiers A and B? While revealing the reality of North Korean military participation is important, there seems to be insufficient consideration of the impact of these releases, especially since North Korean authorities are certainly watching.
Kang stated, "If any regime-critical statements are made public, there's a very high possibility of future repercussions for both them and their families."
◆ Consider Human Rights, Base Choices on Personal Will
President Zelenskyy expressed on X his willingness to exchange Ukrainian soldiers captured by Russia for Kim Jong-un's soldiers. He also mentioned that "if North Korean soldiers don't wish to return, there are other options."
The two young North Korean POWs have options: staying in Ukraine, going to South Korea, or being handed over to Russia to return to North Korea. Whatever the case, the fundamental premise must be that the choice is based on their own will.
Having been isolated in military barracks and subjected to intense ideological indoctrination right after high school graduation, they are likely extremely unfamiliar with international common sense and current affairs. In their current situation as POWs, while respecting their human rights, they need to be fully informed of their options, including the possibility of returning to North Korea.
Who are the North Korean Soldiers Deployed to Russia? Analysis by a Former 'Storm Corps' Member (1) "POWs Must Be Extremely Confused - Consider Their and Their Families' Human Rights"
- ＜Inside N.Korea＞"No One Knows soldiers are dying in battle... It's Like a Dog's Death" Strict Silence Order on Russian Deployment Information Anxiety Spreads Among Soldiers' Parents
- ＜Super-telephoto video＞North Korea's border with Russia: What's in the pile of unidentified cargo? Guards at the checkpoint... North Korean military tightens control of railroad terminals
- ＜Inside N. Korea＞Unrest Spreads Among Parents of Soldiers Deployed to Russia, Checking on Sons' Safety Through Bribes, Military Says 'Letters Will Come Soon'
- How is the Russian Deployment Viewed Inside N.Korea? (2) Surprisingly High Expectations Towards Russia…Desperately Clinging to Hope Due to Hard Living Conditions…"Allies Must Help Each Other"
- How is the Russian deployment viewed inside N.Korea? (1) Parents of soldiers gradually discovering deployments and information spreading: "They might get to eat plenty of cheese and milk," "No one thinks they're going to war"
- ＜Inside N. Korea＞ 'Don't say anything about S. Korean propaganda leaflets and broadcasts,'… Orders to soldiers on the front line
![Mass Starvations Occurring in the Breadbasket [pdf]](https://www.asiapress.org/rimjin-gang/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2012-2013_Hwanghae_Report_A-150x150.jpg)
