South Korea Repatriates Six North Koreans Picked Up at Sea

South Korea has sent six North Koreans back across the maritime border after they were rescued drifting south earlier this year—two in March and four in May—when their wooden boats crossed into South Korean waters.

The Unification Ministry confirmed that the individuals had repeatedly expressed their wish to return home. Despite no direct communication from Pyongyang, a North Korean patrol vessel met them at the designated handover point, and the group was transferred aboard a repaired wooden boat back to North Korean authorities.

The repatriation comes amid efforts by South Korea’s newly elected President, Lee Jae‑myung, to improve ties with the North. Earlier steps under his administration included halting loudspeaker propaganda campaigns and restricting balloon-launched leaflets along the border.

These nine-month gaps since rescue were due to North Korea’s decision to suspend diplomatic channels and inter‑Korean communications following the collapse of nuclear negotiations in 2019. South Korea coordinated the return via the UN Command but received no formal response from Pyongyang.

This return marks a notable moment in inter-Korean relations: it reflects both South Korea’s humanitarian stance and its focus on rebuilding trust during a period of strained communication and persistent regional tensions.

With input from Al Jazeera