{"id":2206965,"date":"2024-10-29T16:59:33","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T07:59:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2206965"},"modified":"2024-10-30T12:57:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T03:57:07","slug":"south-korea-confronts-ethical-risks-of-interrogating-north-koreans-in-ukraine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/10\/south-korea-confronts-ethical-risks-of-interrogating-north-koreans-in-ukraine\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea confronts ethical risks of interrogating North Koreans in Ukraine"},"content":{"rendered":"
As evidence mounts that North Korea is <\/span>deploying<\/span><\/a> thousands of soldiers to support Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine, South Korea\u2019s main opposition Democratic Party (DP) has <\/span>slammed<\/span><\/a> a proposal to dispatch an interrogation team to Ukraine to potentially question North Korean prisoners or war (POWs).<\/span><\/p>\n DP leader Lee Jae-myung on Monday suggested that the Yoon administration may be trying to spread \u201ctorture techniques around the world,\u201d raising questions about the potential risks and ethical implications of the government\u2019s proposal.<\/span><\/p>\n The prospect of South Korean personnel interrogating North Korean POWs raises complex questions about operational orders, legal constraints and the possibility of violent encounters.<\/span><\/p>\n But <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> analysis suggests that scenarios like that outlined by Lee are unlikely to transpire, not only due to how difficult it would be for the ROK to get away with such illegal activity but also its potential to undermine Seoul\u2019s military and political objectives.<\/span><\/p>\n Instead, South Korea is likely to take steps to ensure clear rules of engagement (ROE) for any officials dispatched to Ukraine to avoid controversy, both internationally and domestically, and ensure that the ROK military can learn as much as possible from North Korea\u2019s military deployment to the Ukraine war.<\/span><\/p>\n SOUTH KOREA\u2019S CHALLENGE<\/b><\/p>\n South Korea\u2019s proposal to dispatch experts to Ukraine involves legal obligations, ethical considerations and strategic interests. ROK personnel, if deployed, would be under strict orders to comply with international law, particularly the <\/span>Geneva Conventions<\/span><\/a>, and their primary mission would likely involve non-coercive intelligence gathering and providing support without engaging in combat.<\/span><\/p>\n Interrogation of North Korean POWs would have to be conducted using humane methods designed to build rapport and trust. Shared language and cultural background could facilitate communication, potentially yielding valuable intelligence without resorting to unethical practices.<\/span><\/p>\n Moreover, South Korean advisers would be instructed to maintain professional conduct at all times. This includes respecting the rights of POWs and avoiding any actions that could be construed as torture or inhumane.<\/span><\/p>\n However, South Korean personnel may face significant challenges in interrogating North Korean POWs. Pyongyang will likely issue orders to its soldiers to avoid capture at all costs, especially if South Korea deploys its personnel to Ukraine.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There is the risk that North Korean soldiers may attempt to harm themselves or others if captured, posing a significant risk to South Korean personnel. Further, POWs could also provide false information or engage in disinformation campaigns.<\/span><\/p>\n Due to the potential challenges South Korean interrogators face, it is necessary to consider the temptation to deviate from legal and ethical standards. In situations where critical intelligence is needed swiftly, there could be internal or external pressures to employ <\/span>more aggressive interrogation techniques<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n