Returning From Battle And Threatened By Investigation, Former South Korean Navy Special Forces Want To Return To Ukraine: The War Is Not Over

Ilustrasi Mariner Korea Selatan. (Wikimedia Commons/Republic of Korea Armed Forces)

JAKARTA - A former South Korean Navy special force who joined Ukraine as a volunteer against the Russian invasion, said he wanted to return to the battlefield when he was injured and threatened investigation by the authorities.

Returning home on Friday, he was suspected of breaking the law by defying a government ban on travel to Ukraine. He said he was ready to face a police investigation.

Rhee Keun, a former member of the South Korean naval special forces also known as Ken Rhee, flew back to South Korea with media broadcasting his return live on television.

"I haven't completely left the battlefield, but have come to recover from my injuries. I want to come back because the war isn't over yet, there's still a lot to do," Rhee said at the airport.

Rhee said he had ligament injuries in both legs. However, he said he was able to walk.

He further explained that about 10 police officers were waiting for him when he got off the plane and they had ordered him to be quarantined for a week, as a precaution against COVID-19. After that, he will be summoned for questioning.

"I will cooperate in the investigation," said Rhee, who posted pictures and videos of his experience in Ukraine via social media.

Rhee added that Ukraine had offered him citizenship and even land, but he refused.

"I don't think it's right to take citizenship to avoid a fine or a trial," he said.

Separately, a police spokesman was not immediately available for comment. A military spokesman confirmed that Rhee had served in the navy's special forces.

Previously, South Korea's Foreign Ministry filed a police complaint against him in mid-March, shortly after he left for Ukraine, alleging violating passport laws.

South Korea banned its citizens from traveling to Ukraine in February for security reasons. Under the law, those who defy the ban can be jailed for up to one year or fined 10 million won.

It is known that the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense established a special unit, the International Legion, for foreign fighters who wish to join the fight against Russia.

More than 20,000 volunteers and veterans from 52 countries have expressed their desire to join the fighting from March 7, according to Brigadier General Kyrylo Budanov, commander of the Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, which runs the legion.