Were you ordered to commit suicide?
“In our army, being captured is seen as betrayal. (Which implies that North Korean soldiers are instructed to commit suicide if captured.)”
So you fought thinking you were up against not only Ukrainian forces but also South Korean troops?
“(Nods.)”
What have you decided?
“I’ve been thinking… (pauses) You said you’re a journalist, right? (pauses again) First, I’m planning to apply for asylum and go to South Korea. Do you think they’ll accept me?”
(The Ukrainian authorities mentioned, “Whether the North Korean soldier can go to S. Korea depends on the S. Korean government.”)
My personal highlights from the read. Paints a pretty miserable desperate picture, NK really just expected them all to die. I hope his family is not punished because of this interview but it frankly seems likely.
The ones I had just been talking to suddenly said nothing anymore.
Horrible, but beautifully said.
“A captured soldier is useless to us, and a security risk, so we might as well convince them that suicide is better.”
— some asshole military commander with a ridiculously big hat
Instead of whatever, they send these kids to war
