North Korean soldiers captured alive by Ukrainian forces in Russia's western Kursk region. (Yonhap) Defectors, rights activists face Passport Act investigation after traveling to Ukraine without Seoul's approvalSix South Koreans who traveled to Ukraine to advocate for two North Korean prisoners of war seeking resettlement in the South have been booked by police for allegedly violating Seoul's travel ban.The delegation, which included North Korean defectors and human rights activists, visited Ukraine from May 7-11 without government authorization to discuss the fate of the two soldiers, who were captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in January 2025.The group met Ukrainian officials, civic groups and representatives of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War under Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.Among the delegation were Jang Se-yul, head of Gyeoreol Unification Solidarity; Lee Byung-rim, a North Korean defector and human rights activist; and Kang Dong-wan, chairman of Tongil Korea, a group advocating for North Korean human rights.Jang told Yonhap News Agency on Thursday that the Foreign Ministry had reported members of the delegation to police for violating the Passport Act and that they were expected to be questioned.South Korea placed Ukraine on its Level 4 travel ban list in February 2022, making unauthorized travel to the country punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 10 million won ($7,047). Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party meets with North Korean prisoners of war in Ukraine in March 2025. (Rep. Yu Yong-weon's office) The trip was organized by an activist coalition campaigning against the forced repatriation of the North Korean POWs.The delegation warned Ukrainian officials that the soldiers could face severe punishment if returned to North Korea and asked Ukrainian authorities to deliver supplies and letters of support from North Korean defector groups.The delegation said it had sought authorization from the South Korean government and was unable to obtain it, but proceeded with the trip as meetings with Ukrainian officials, lawmakers and civil society groups had already been arranged.The two soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in January 2025 after North Korea deployed troops to support Russia's war effort. Both soldiers have since reportedly expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea.Ukraine has indicated that it will not forcibly repatriate the North Korean POWs against their will, while Seoul and Kyiv have discussed resolving their status in accordance with international law and the soldiers' wishes.The Foreign Ministry said it urges South Koreans who enter travel-ban areas without authorization to leave and may refer violations to investigative authorities."As the matter is currently under investigation, we would like to refrain from providing specific comments," the ministry said.