When Yang Seung-ji, a 25-year-old job seeker, heard about thousands of North Korean soldiers reportedly training in Russia, she started searching for nearby emergency shelters. She worries that South Korea’s support for Ukraine can heighten tensions.
Reports from the United States Department of Defense claim up to 10,000 North Korean soldiers are training in Russia to support the war. South Korea fears that in exchange, North Korea could receive nuclear technology, raising further security concerns. Last week, North Korea also tested a new intercontinental ballistic missile, Hwasong-19, which flew for 86 minutes.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed to respond if North Korea’s involvement in Ukraine escalates. Yoon mentioned the possibility of South Korea supplying weapons to Ukraine, making a significant shift in policy. So far, South Korea has limited its support to humanitarian aid and arms backfill for NATO members. Direct involvement would require changes to the South Korea Foreign Trade Act, which currently bans sending lethal weapons to active conflict zones.
However, opinions in South Korea vary. Son Key-young, an international relations professor, noted that South Koreans tend to avoid direct conflicts, preferring diplomacy and cultural influence. Some, like 27-year-old Han Jun-seo, support aiding Ukraine but worry about drawing unwanted attention. Others, such as 54-year-old Park J. R., feel South Korea should act cautiously and only with United Nations Support. “Acting by ourselves and making hasty decisions is a fast lane to being used,” Park said, expressing concern about straining future relations with Russia.
Some older South Koreans believe the nation should show strength. “If the situation calls for it, we should be able to confidently make our own decisions,” said 65-year-old Kim Shin-gyu. Oh R.M., 68, suggested that nuclear capability would reduce North Korea’s influence, arguing South Korea should defend itself first and help Ukraine if possible. This perspective highlights the growing sentiment around South Korea’s support for Ukraine amid rising tensions.
