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It was revealed that one active-duty Marine Corps soldier from Korea had left for Poland to participate in the Ukrainian War.
He went on vacation and left without returning to the military, but there are also reports that he has already entered Ukraine.
First of all, this is Kim Tae-hoon, a reporter specializing in defense.
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1st Division of the Marine Corps reported that Soldier A did not return and lost contact with him after his vacation ended yesterday (21st).
As the military authorities investigated the family and acquaintances of Soldier A, it was revealed that Soldier A had left the country without permission.
A military official said in a phone call with SBS, "Yesterday, soldier A went to Warsaw, Poland via Incheon International Airport."
Soldier A said in an interview with a press, "As a soldier, I couldn't help but watch the civilians continue to die," he said.
He added, "If he returns to Korea, he will be punished."
Military authorities believe that Soldier A has already crossed the Ukrainian border.
The participation of active-duty military personnel in the war is a matter that could escalate into a diplomatic issue.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked the Polish and Ukrainian governments to cooperate so that the soldier can return home immediately.
Soldier A is charged with desertion as an active-duty soldier and violating the passport law.
It is reported that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the military police are considering dispatching a joint investigation team to Poland to secure new recruits for the soldiers.
Separately, we are also investigating how the unauthorized departure of active duty military personnel was not filtered out at the airport.
(Video coverage: Han Il-sang, video editing: Park Ki-duk)