Partial Withdrawal of South Korean Diplomats from Ukraine
South Korea has decided to recall a portion of its diplomatic staff from Ukraine following tensions over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war and concerns about potential Russian airstrikes. Despite this move, consular officials will remain in Ukraine to continue assisting South Korean citizens. This development was reported on October 20 by Yonhap News Agency, citing the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic Tensions and Their Implications
According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon, Kyiv has yet to take meaningful steps toward resolving the diplomatic dispute. In the meantime, a chargé d'affaires will lead South Korea’s mission in Ukraine. Earlier in October 2025, South Korea had already withdrawn its ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chan.
The conflict erupted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly revealed details concerning the handover of two North Korean POWs. South Korea demands an official apology and clarification from Kyiv, insisting that the Ukrainian presidential office retract its claim that the agreement on the POWs’ transfer was to remain confidential. These two prisoners were captured in January 2025 while fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region and arrived in South Korea by mid-September 2025.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung emphasized the extreme sensitivity of the POW transfer issue, highlighting its potential impact on diplomacy, national security, and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
The situation remains tense as both nations work toward a resolution. This episode underscores the delicate nature of Ukraine–South Korea diplomatic relations, which face challenges amid ongoing internal conflicts and shifting international alliances. South Korea’s response could shape its future engagement with Ukraine and influence broader geopolitical dynamics, especially given the heightened tensions involving North Korea and Western allies.
As the diplomatic rift between South Korea and Ukraine deepens, the South Korean opposition is voicing strong criticism of the government's handling of the situation. They are preparing to send a letter to President Zelensky, urging for a resolution to the escalating tensions. For more details on the political dynamics at play, you can read about the opposition's stance here.