South Korea Demands Explanation From Ukraine Over North Korean POW Transfer

South Korea has demanded an explanation and apology from Ukraine after Kyiv publicly disclosed the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul, with the dispute threatening to strain relations between the two governments.

Seong Ghi-hong, a senior presidential secretary for public relations, said Ukraine’s disclosure had been made without sufficient prior consultation and was followed by a denial that the countries had agreed to keep the transfer confidential. Seoul said the denial had seriously undermined trust and could harm bilateral ties.

The two governments had discussed the transfer through several channels after the prisoners expressed a desire to travel to South Korea, according to a South Korean opposition lawmaker. Ukraine had requested that the arrangement remain confidential, citing concerns that disclosure could prompt criticism in Ukraine that Kyiv had surrendered an opportunity to exchange the soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners.

South Korea agreed to the request because of security, diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, including the safety of the two men and their families, Seong said.

The issue became public after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations General Assembly that the two North Korean soldiers had been transferred to South Korea. The soldiers had been captured while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had earlier said the transfer should not have been disclosed because of its potential consequences. In a post on X, he said Seoul and Kyiv had agreed to maintain confidentiality and described the subsequent disclosure as deeply regrettable.

The Ukrainian embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The soldiers were captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025. They were the first North Korean soldiers captured alive since Pyongyang began supporting Russia in the war in 2024.

South Korea had previously declined to confirm that the soldiers had arrived in the country, citing concerns over their safety and that of relatives remaining in North Korea. The dispute comes as Seoul backs efforts to resume dialogue with Pyongyang and US President Donald Trump has renewed his willingness to engage with North Korea.

Source: FSX Business News