On December 19, President Lee Jae Myung addressed the repatriation of long-term non-converted prisoners to North Korea. He stated that if they wish to return to their homeland, it should not obstruct their path but rather facilitate it. Ideally, it would coordinate with North Korea and transfer them at Panmunjom, but given the lack of response, it should proceed with sending them on humanitarian grounds.
The President made these remarks during a briefing on departmental activities at the Government Seoul Complex annex, which included reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Unification.
He noted that North Korea hasn’t responded because we’re trying to send these individuals back. Some have suggested that since inter-Korean discussions are challenging, it could issue passports and allow them to travel to North Korea independently. The President then asked on what if it provides passports so they can go to China and board a flight to Pyongyang, letting them decide for themselves?
Minister of Unification Chung Dong-young responded that they are at that stage, adding that the key issue is North Korea’s willingness to accept them.
President Lee emphasized that they must accept the consequences. It can facilitate their departure, but if they can’t enter North Korea and have to return, that’s beyond the control. He continued that regardless of North Korea’s response, these individuals are extremely elderly and may not have much time left.
The President concluded that it continues to push for the repatriation of abductees, detainees, and prisoners of war, but North Korea’s response is virtually non-existent. Even when inter-Korean dialogue was active, there was little engagement on this issue. Now that communication channels have been cut off, the options are limited.