A: Hey there! Guess what happened today?
B: Not much, just living my life in Japan. What's up?

A: Six North Koreans who were rescued by South Korea earlier this year have been sent back to the North!
B: No way! When did that happen and why?

A: They were saved by the South Korean military in March and May when they drifted into southern waters. According to reports, they all wished to return home.
B: Wow, that's surprising. How did they get sent back?

A: Well, from what I heard, they sailed unaccompanied across the Northern Limit Line, which is the de-facto maritime border between North and South Korea. They were met by a North Korean patrol vessel after crossing the border this morning.
B: That sounds risky! Did South Korea tell the North about their plan?

A: As far as I know, they did communicate their repatriation plan to the North through the United Nations Command but didn't get any response.
B: Hmm, interesting. Do you think this means there might be some communication between Seoul and Pyongyang soon?

A: Some experts believe it could be a sign of North Korea's readiness for limited dialogue with South Korea. But who knows for sure!
B: That would be great if it leads to peaceful conversations between the two Koreas.

A: Definitely, and South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung seems to understand the situation and is open to talks. We'll have to wait and see what happens next!
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The South Korean government says six North Koreans who were rescued at sea earlier this year were repatriated on Wednesday.



South Korea's Unification Ministry says a total of six North Korean residents were rescued by the South Korean military in March and May after drifting into southern waters.



All those rescued reportedly expressed the wish to return to the North.



The ministry says they returned on a boat that sailed unaccompanied, crossing the Northern Limit Line, the de-facto inter-Korean maritime border, on Wednesday morning. The ministry says the boat was then met by what appeared to be a North Korean patrol vessel.



South Korea says it communicated its repatriation plan to the North through the United Nations Command but received no response.



An expert in South Korea says it is unusual for North Korean vessels to be mobilized and stand by. He suggests the move may indicate Pyongyang's readiness for limited communication with Seoul.



South Korea's presidential office says President Lee Jae-myung showed understanding about the repatriation.



His administration is expected to seek dialogue with the North.