The National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee on September 30 that it began discussions with Ukraine regarding the repatriation of North Korean soldiers captured since January of last year, and that both countries agreed to maintain confidentiality from the early stages of negotiations.
After a closed-door meeting, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, Yoon Geon-young of the Democratic Party and Yoo Young-ha of the People Power Party, spoke to reporters about the report. According to the NIS, the agreement on the confidential repatriation of North Korean soldiers was reached through various channels. However, it was not confirmed whether the leaders of the two countries agreed to keep this matter private.
Yoo stated, "The NIS indicated that our government did not provide any support to Ukraine regarding the repatriation of prisoners." He added, "The reason the Ukrainian side unilaterally disclosed the repatriation was due to expectations that South Korea's capacity to provide military support would increase, according to intelligence analysis."
The report also indicated that the NIS believes the possibility of dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un remains open. Yoon noted, "In light of President Trump's friendly messages toward North Korea, the North has left the door open for progress in U.S.-North Korea relations," and added that the NIS is continuously confirming the necessary conditions for dialogue, such as recognition of North Korea as a nuclear state and the withdrawal of hostile policies.
If U.S.-North Korea dialogue occurs, it is expected to take place around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November. Yoon stated, "According to intelligence assessments, the likelihood of continued U.S.-North Korea dialogue is estimated at about 50%."
Meanwhile, intelligence authorities reported that Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, delivered a statement characterized by a very restrained tone. Yoon mentioned, "The NIS analyzes that there is an intention to sever any connection to this incident."
After a closed-door meeting, lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties, Yoon Geon-young of the Democratic Party and Yoo Young-ha of the People Power Party, spoke to reporters about the report. According to the NIS, the agreement on the confidential repatriation of North Korean soldiers was reached through various channels. However, it was not confirmed whether the leaders of the two countries agreed to keep this matter private.
Yoo stated, "The NIS indicated that our government did not provide any support to Ukraine regarding the repatriation of prisoners." He added, "The reason the Ukrainian side unilaterally disclosed the repatriation was due to expectations that South Korea's capacity to provide military support would increase, according to intelligence analysis."
The report also indicated that the NIS believes the possibility of dialogue between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un remains open. Yoon noted, "In light of President Trump's friendly messages toward North Korea, the North has left the door open for progress in U.S.-North Korea relations," and added that the NIS is continuously confirming the necessary conditions for dialogue, such as recognition of North Korea as a nuclear state and the withdrawal of hostile policies.
If U.S.-North Korea dialogue occurs, it is expected to take place around the time of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November. Yoon stated, "According to intelligence assessments, the likelihood of continued U.S.-North Korea dialogue is estimated at about 50%."
Meanwhile, intelligence authorities reported that Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, delivered a statement characterized by a very restrained tone. Yoon mentioned, "The NIS analyzes that there is an intention to sever any connection to this incident."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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