Seoul Demands Explanation and Apology from Kyiv over Disclosure of North Korean POW Transfer
World
South Korea’s presidential office has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine after Kyiv disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul says the two sides had previously agreed to keep the transfer confidential, but Ukraine later disclosed the information without sufficient prior consultation.
Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, said the South Korean presidential office “expresses deep regret” over Ukraine’s unilateral disclosure and its subsequent denial that a confidentiality agreement existed. He added that Seoul was considering additional measures if necessary.
According to the South Korean side, Kyiv had discussed the transfer of the prisoners with Seoul through several channels and had insisted that the matter remain confidential. Seoul said Ukraine had cited possible domestic criticism, including concerns that a public disclosure could lead to criticism over a missed opportunity to exchange the North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners.
South Korea agreed to keep the transfer confidential, citing security, diplomatic and humanitarian considerations, including the safety of the prisoners and their families. According to Seoul, the transfer was disclosed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to the 81st UN General Assembly.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy told the General Assembly that Ukraine had recently transferred two North Korean soldiers captured in the Kursk region to South Korea. The UN transcript confirms that he made the statement during the general debate of the 81st session.
Zelenskyy had first announced in January 2025 that North Korean soldiers had been captured by Ukrainian forces. In July 2026, the presidents of South Korea and Ukraine also agreed that the issue of North Korean prisoners should be handled in accordance with their free will, international law and humanitarian principles.
Seoul said the incident had seriously damaged trust between the two governments and could affect bilateral relations. Reuters reported that Ukraine’s embassy in Seoul did not respond to its request for comment.
According to the South Korean side, Kyiv had discussed the transfer of the prisoners with Seoul through several channels and had insisted that the matter remain confidential. Seoul said Ukraine had cited possible domestic criticism, including concerns that a public disclosure could lead to criticism over a missed opportunity to exchange the North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners.
South Korea agreed to keep the transfer confidential, citing security, diplomatic and humanitarian considerations, including the safety of the prisoners and their families. According to Seoul, the transfer was disclosed during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to the 81st UN General Assembly.
On Wednesday, Zelenskyy told the General Assembly that Ukraine had recently transferred two North Korean soldiers captured in the Kursk region to South Korea. The UN transcript confirms that he made the statement during the general debate of the 81st session.
Zelenskyy had first announced in January 2025 that North Korean soldiers had been captured by Ukrainian forces. In July 2026, the presidents of South Korea and Ukraine also agreed that the issue of North Korean prisoners should be handled in accordance with their free will, international law and humanitarian principles.
Seoul said the incident had seriously damaged trust between the two governments and could affect bilateral relations. Reuters reported that Ukraine’s embassy in Seoul did not respond to its request for comment.
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