“If I return alive, then I will take responsibility for everything and be punished”

Former Capt. Rhee Keun, 37, a former UDT member, announced that he would join the war as a volunteer to help Ukraine, which had been invaded by Russia.
Former Captain Rhee revealed that he had formed a team and had recently departed for Ukraine.

Rhee said on Instagram on March 6, "When the President of Ukraine asked for help from all over the world, 'ROKSEAL' immediately prepared for a volunteer mission.

The photo on instagram shows Captain Lee's team leaving the country.
The photo on instagram shows Captain Lee's team leaving the country.

On Feb. 28, the article was posted through the YouTube community, hinting that his team will support Ukraine.
He said, “I planned to go out of the country within 48 hours by making a plan, coordinating, and preparing equipment. But, I felt strong opposition from the Korean government, causing friction.

“We were threatened with one year in prison or a fine of 10 million won if we enter Ukraine where travel is prohibited.

 “However, we couldn't just stay still in this situation without helping Ukraine with the skills, knowledge and expertise we have, even if being punished.”

He continued to say, “Ignorant people may not understand security, but in this situation, through an informal procedure, my team had to leave the country without any problems and arrive in Ukraine, so I did not share our plans with anyone except a few people involved.”

 “My team members were selected by myself, and if I return alive, then I will take responsibility for everything and be punished,” said former Captain Rhee. 

“As the first Korean volunteers, we will raise the national status on behalf of Korea. Then, after the mission is over, we will see you in Korea,” he added.

Recently, support for Ukrainian volunteers has been increasing worldwide. In Korea, related inquiries are also pouring in through the embassy.

Former Capt. Rhee Keun
Former Capt. Rhee Keun

However, under the current law, Korean citizens who participate in the war as volunteers may be subject to legal punishment.

Currently, Korea has issued a travel warning level 4 that prohibits travel for all regions of Ukraine.

Violators of this rule may result in imprisonment of up to one year or a fine of less than 10 million won in violation of the passport law.

In addition, there is a possibility of violating Article 111 of the Criminal Act, which prohibits private warfare against a foreign country (Act of fighting against a foreign country without receiving a war order from the state).

However, former Captain Rhee risked a violation of the positive law and chose to go to Ukraine.
 

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