A North Korean soldier has been taken into custody by South Korean forces after crossing the heavily guarded border between the two countries, in what officials believe may be a defection.

South Korea's military said the soldier was secured late on Tuesday (23 June) in the central section of the border and is now being questioned by the relevant authorities.

"The military secured one North Korean soldier in the central front on Tuesday night, and relevant authorities are currently investigating the details," Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The incident has drawn attention because crossings through the land border remain extremely rare. The frontier is one of the most heavily fortified in the world, lined with fences, landmines and military positions on both sides.

Rare route to the South

For most North Koreans who flee the country, the journey does not involve crossing directly into South Korea.

Instead, many travel through China before making their way through a third country in Southeast Asia and eventually reaching the South.

According to South Korea's Unification Ministry, more than 34,000 North Koreans have settled in the South since the Korean War left the peninsula divided in the 1950s.

In 2024, 236 North Korean defectors arrived in South Korea. Women accounted for nearly nine out of every ten arrivals.

Those who reach South Korea are usually handed over to intelligence officials for screening and interviews before beginning a new life in the country.

Growing focus on North Koreans abroad

The border crossing comes at a time when Seoul is paying close attention to the fate of North Korean nationals outside their country.

South Korea said this week it would accept North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine if they wished to relocate to the South.

A Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Seoul opposed any attempt to send North Korean prisoners back against their will.

"We cannot accept forced repatriation," the spokesperson said, adding that discussions were ongoing with Ukraine.

The issue is expected to feature in talks when Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visits South Korea next week.

Tensions remain high

Relations between the two Koreas remain strained, while North Korea has strengthened its ties with Russia during the war in Ukraine.

According to South Korean intelligence assessments, Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops and military personnel to support Russia's war effort. South Korean officials say North Korean forces have suffered significant casualties during the conflict.

Against that backdrop, the appearance of a North Korean soldier on the southern side of the border is likely to attract close scrutiny from both governments as investigators work to establish exactly why he crossed.

Read more: 

• North Korea to build two large warships a year, Kim Jong Un says
• South Korea offers to accept North Korean prisoners of war held by Ukraine
• Kim says North Korea must strengthen nuclear arsenal

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