Six North Koreans drifted into South Korean waters by mistake and were repatriated after expressing a strong desire to return home. The individuals included two rescued in March and four found in May, marking their longest stay in South Korea. South Korea informed North Korea through the UN Command of the repatriation plan but received no response. The handover occurred amid heightened tensions following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's cuts to communication lines and political changes in South Korea, including President Lee Jae-myung's focus on dialogue with the North.
The six individuals were repatriated across the rivals' sea border on Wednesday morning. Two were rescued in the West Sea in March, while four were found in the East Sea in late May.
All six North Koreans had "strongly expressed their desire" to go home. The repatriation efforts faced complications due to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's decision to cut inter-Korean communication lines in April 2023.
Seoul informed Pyongyang through the US-led United Nations Command about the intention to repatriate six individuals but did not receive a response. A North Korean patrol boat was at the handover point.
The handover was the first to take place since Lee Jae-myung took office as South Korean president last month, emphasizing his desire to restart dialogue with Pyongyang.
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