A South Korean man’s voluntary enlistment in the Russian military has been brought to light through local Russian media. The man’s specific identity has not been disclosed, and the South Korean Embassy in Russia has reportedly been unable to confirm his identity.
Recently, the Russian media outlet ‘Argumenty i Fakty’ (AIF) published an interview with a South Korean youth who arrived in Donbas (Donetsk, Luhansk) from Seoul and voluntarily enlisted in the international brigade ‘Pyatnashka’ of the 1st Donetsk Army Corps.
The man, known by the call sign ‘Kinzer’, conducted the interview in English, hiding his identity by covering his mouth and nose with a mask. The man, who identified himself as Korean, explained why he joined the Russian military, saying he was deeply impressed with Russia while living in Seoul.
“Western countries are now in decline,” he said. “The issue of sexual minorities is being promoted everywhere. You can see it anywhere in Europe and the United States.” He added, “Donald Trump was a good president, but the situation has worsened under President Joe Biden. The United States is becoming more liberal and imposing these values on other countries.”
He also said, “Unlike the United States, Russia still maintains a traditional way of life. Putin is one of the most stable presidents in the world, and I trust him. After my special military service ends, I want to acquire Russian citizenship and live in Sochi, a resort near the Black Sea.”
According to the report, the man is currently learning how to handle various weapons along with military training, and his family and acquaintances are unaware of his enlistment in the Russian military. He said, “I have a smartphone, so I can contact them anytime. My family and friends don’t know that I have enlisted. I just told them I’m going to Russia. I didn’t tell anyone because I was worried they might worry.”
Previously, in March of last year, former UDT/SEAL officer Lee Geun joined the ‘Territorial Defense Brigade International Brigade’ in Ukraine without permission to use his passport from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was later convicted of violating passport laws. If this man returns home, he could face the same punishment for unauthorized entry into a travel-restricted area.
Editor Seo Eun-hye / huffkorea@gmail.com
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