Prosecutors seek 1 year and 6 months in prison for Ken Rhee who entered Ukraine without permission

Former Navy Seal captain Ken Rhee, who unlawfully entered Ukraine, may be sentenced to one year and six months in prison. 

On July 17, Ken Rhee created a post on his YouTube channel 'ROKSEAL' community expressing his lack of remorse. He stated, "I have no regrets. Thank you for your support. For freedom."

According to Yonhap News, Ken Rhee appeared in court for the trial regarding charges of violating the Passport Act and fleeing under the Special Act. The hearing was presided over by Judge Jeong Jae Yong.

The prosecution argued that Ken Rhee knowingly traveled to Ukraine, despite being aware of the travel ban imposed on the country. Furthermore, he criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through social media after his arrival. The prosecution emphasized the severity of his actions and requested a prison sentence of one year and six months.

In his final statement, Ken Rhee sincerely apologized for violating the passport law. He pleaded for consideration, stating that he went to Ukraine with acquaintances to help people. He believed that saving people from other countries was the duty of a true soldier. His sentencing date has been set for the 17th of next month.

Last year, during the war, Ken Rhee departed for Ukraine and joined the international volunteer army. However, due to a cruciate ligament injury in his knee, he returned home in May of the same year. He participated in the conflict as a member of the foreign volunteer army called the 'International Brigade of the Homeland Defense Force.'

Upon returning to Korea, Ken Rhee voluntarily presented himself to the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency for investigation. At the time, the government had issued a level 4 travel advisory, imposing a travel ban on all regions of Ukraine. According to the Passport Act, entering the country in violation of this ban can result in a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million KRW (7,900 USD). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed of Ken Rhee's departure and subsequently accused him of violating the Passport Act.