Controversy Erupts as South Korean Man Enlists in Russian Army for Ukraine Conflict

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The man, who appeared in a video released by the Russian media outlet AIF (Argumenty i Fakty) on March 14 (local time), introduced himself as having left Seoul to arrive in Donbas (a term collectively referring to the eastern Ukrainian cities of Donetsk and Luhansk) and joined the international brigade Pyatnashka under the 1st Army Corps of Donetsk.

Authorities did not disclose the man’s name and other specific identities. The South Korean Embassy in Russia also reportedly has not been able to confirm his identity.

Recently, social media platforms such as Telegram and X posted an interview video of this man, who claims to have come from South Korea to participate in Russia’s special military operation.

He responded to the interview in English, covering his nose and mouth with a mask. The man, called by the call sign Kinzhal, explained why he chose to fight on the Russian side.

He said, “While living in Seoul, Russia deeply impressed me. The West is currently falling into decline. People are advancing the issue of LGBT everywhere, visible across Europe and the United States.”

Furthermore, he added, “Former U.S. President Donald Trump was a ‘good president,’ but the situation has worsened since President Joe Biden took office. America is becoming more liberal and is imposing these values on other countries.”

He continued, “In Russia, traditional ways of life are preserved. Moreover, President Vladimir Putin is one of the most stable presidents on the world stage, and I trust him.”

Also, he stated that after his special military operation service ends, he wants to obtain Russian citizenship and live in Sochi, a resort near the Black Sea with good weather. He added that he likes warm climates because he has lived in Singapore before.

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The man, who speaks no Russian, made friends through English and a translator and said, ‘Foreigners find it difficult to serve in the Russian military, but I hope the system will improve in the future to make it easier for foreigners to enlist.’ Also, he said, “I flew a drone in Korea in 2015,” and “I want to master drones through training.”

He said, “I am currently in contact with Korea, but my family and friends know that I have gone to Russia, but they do not know that I have enlisted.” He added, “I don’t want other people to worry about me.”

In response to a question about what he thinks of the Ukrainian president, he said, “Zelensky is a parasite. I have nothing more to say about him.”

Earlier, a court found former officer and YouTuber Lee Geun guilty of violating the Passport Act and other laws for participating in the Ukrainian International Volunteer Army last year without obtaining permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Upon his return, this man could face the same punishment for unauthorized entry into a travel-restricted area.