South Korea repatriated six North Koreans on Wednesday who accidentally drifted into its waters earlier this year, marking the first such return under President Lee Jae-myung. All six individuals consistently expressed a ‘strong desire’ to return home during their time in South Korea, according to Seoul’s Unification Ministry. Two had drifted south in March and spent four months in custody—the longest period for non-defectors—while four others entered southern waters in May. The repatriation occurred despite severed communications between the Koreas since 2023, requiring coordination through UN channels. The event highlights ongoing tensions, as analysts note returnees may face intense interrogation and propaganda use in North Korea.