Elderly Ex-War Captive Desires Reunion with North Korea Homeland - Elderly Prisoner of War Seeks Reunion with North Korea
In a unique and poignant story, Ahn Hak-sop, a 95-year-old South Korean resident, is determined to return to his homeland, North Korea, despite his advanced age and the political tensions that divide the two Koreas.
Ahn Hak-sop, who fought on the side of North Korea during the Korean War, was taken prisoner and spent over 42 years in a South Korean prison. His motivation to return stems from a deep-rooted desire to spend his last days in his homeland and to be buried there, according to reports.
However, an agreement with the government in Pyongyang would be necessary for Ahn Hak-sop's return. This is not an easy feat, given the current state of relations between the two countries.
Ahn Hak-sop's views on South Korea are stark. He views it as an "imperialist state" under US colonial rule, a belief shared by some in North Korea. He also considers the South Korean government to be responsible for his long imprisonment.
Ahn Hak-sop's story is a reminder of the historical context that led to the division of Korea. After Japan's defeat in World War II, Korea was divided into a Soviet occupation zone in the North and an American one in the South. This division, in 1948, led to the creation of two states: the Republic of Korea in the South and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the North, effectively a communist dictatorship.
Ahn Hak-sop was released on Korea's National Liberation Day, which is celebrated in both the North and the South. However, he missed an opportunity to return to North Korea with other former prisoners of war 25 years ago.
Despite his age and health issues, Ahn Hak-sop still adheres to the communist ideology of his homeland. He dismisses reports of poverty and famine in North Korea as fabrications of Western media.
The South Korean government has stated that they did not have enough time to make the necessary arrangements for Ahn Hak-sop's return. However, Ahn Hak-sop's story serves as a reminder of the complex history and the ongoing division of the Korean peninsula.
Ahn Hak-sop is one of only six former prisoners of war still living in South Korea. His desire to return to North Korea, despite the political and personal challenges, is a testament to his resilience and his unwavering loyalty to his homeland.
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