North Korean fishermen rescued by the South Korean Coast Guard have expressed their desire to defect from the communist state.
 
The three fishermen were among five North Koreans rescued along with a vessel in waters near the eastern island of Ulleung on Saturday.
 
The Ministry of Unification said it informed the North Tuesday afternoon that it would repatriate the two who wished to return through the border village of Panmunjeom Wednesday morning.
 
North Korea, however, demanded the repatriation of all five fishermen.
 
The ministry said it will honor the wishes of the three fishermen based on humanitarianism and previous customs.