North Korea is demanding the return of two of its citizens who were found drifting at sea off the coast of South Korea this week.

A spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry says the demand was made Wednesday by North Korea's Red Cross. The spokesman says it is investigating whether the two men crossed the eastern sea border by accident or were attempting to defect.

He said if the men wish to return home, South Korea will honor their wishes.

Hundreds of North Koreans defect each year to the South, mainly by crossing over the North's border with China.

Nine North Koreans arrived in Seoul Tuesday from Japan, where they were found in a small boat last month. The nine said they were carried off course while trying to defect to the South.