The National Intelligence Service (NIS) says 22 North Koreans who crossed into South Korean waters and were sent home earlier this month had asked to be repatriated immediately.

Two fishing boats carrying 22 North Koreans drifted into the West Sea near South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island on February eighth.

The spy agency said Tuesday that a South Korean Navy vessel had approached the boats to ask if they intended to defect, but the North Koreans said they did not.

The North Koreans reportedly reiterated they had no intention of defecting even after boarding the Navy speedboat for questioning.

The agency said that in the meantime, North Korea radioed two messages, requesting the South to return the group right away.