Kathrine Frich
Wars always sweep up people who never wanted to fight.
When young men are sent across the globe to bleed on foreign soil, their survival often depends on complete strangers. A quiet rescue mission is unfolding right now in Eastern Europe.
Behind the concrete wall
Two young prisoners are sitting inside a secure facility in the Ukrainian capital. They are far from home and terrified. The captured soldiers go by the fake names Paekgang and Ri Kang-un.
Their own government sent them to the front lines as disposable troops. Now, Russian authorities are actively demanding their return.
Going back is a death sentence. According to a report published by Daily NK, the two men have already tried to harm themselves. They know their families back home could face severe punishment.
A desperate rescue mission
A group of South Korean civilians recently traveled to Kyiv to intervene. Many members are North Korean defectors who previously risked everything to find freedom.
They stood outside the prison walls and wept for the captured soldiers. One mother in the group called out, begging the young men to stay alive.
Writing for Daily NK, professor Kang Dong Wan described the emotional scene. “Kang-un, Paekgang, please stay alive. We will meet again soon,” the mother shouted.
Promises of safety
The group brought handwritten letters and financial support for the terrified captives. More importantly, they secured a crucial promise directly from the Ukrainian government.
Officials at the local prisoner of war headquarters gave a firm verbal pledge. They promised they will not force the North Korean fighters to return to their home country.
The Ukrainian agency also praised the visiting defectors. Government officials told the group that they “sincerely applaud the courage it took to cross the line and reach freedom.”
Building a new path
The rescue effort is now expanding. Ukrainian leaders proposed teaming up with defector organizations to improve an existing surrender program called the “I Want to Live” project.
Meanwhile, the delegation continues to meet with lawmakers and the Red Cross. They are pushing every possible button to get these two men to a safe, democratic country.
Kang noted that rescuing these soldiers is about basic human dignity. He hopes their eventual freedom will send a powerful message back to those still trapped under authoritarian rule.
Sources: Daily NK
