South Korea Demands Apology from Ukraine Over Disclosure of North Korean POW Transfer

Seoul’s Formal Request for Explanation and Apology

According to Рубрика — Політика: The South Korean presidential administration has called on Ukraine to provide an official explanation and issue an apology following the public revelation about the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. These prisoners had fought alongside Russia in the ongoing conflict. South Korea emphasized that there was a prior confidentiality agreement with Ukraine, which, according to Seoul, was breached, damaging the trust between the two governments. President Yoon Suk-yeol accused Ukraine of violating this agreement shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky mentioned the transfer during his speech at the UN General Assembly on September 23, 2026.

In January 2025, Ukrainian forces captured two injured North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region and transferred them to Kyiv. South Korean intelligence confirmed the capture and reported significant casualties among North Korean troops fighting for Russia. Ukraine has made clear that it does not intend to return these prisoners to either Russia or North Korea. The handling of these POWs is a highly sensitive matter with potential serious implications for diplomacy, national security, and the stability of the Korean Peninsula.

Impact on Diplomatic Relations

Seoul also criticized Ukraine for denying the existence of any confidentiality arrangement, calling such denials false and damaging to bilateral trust. President Zelensky stated,

“One of the prisoners, upon realizing he was captured, attempted suicide and was shocked that fate denied him death. This is how people are raised in North Korea. This is the reality.”

President Yoon responded firmly,

“It is unacceptable to act with such cruelty and irresponsibility when it concerns matters as vital as human lives and national security.”

This incident highlights the delicate nature of diplomatic ties between Ukraine and South Korea, especially amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Breaching the confidentiality agreement risks further complicating efforts by both nations to maintain stable relations. Careful handling of this issue is essential to prevent escalation and preserve the mutual trust critical to their cooperation.

The ongoing tensions surrounding the POW transfer have raised significant questions about international agreements and trust. For a deeper understanding of the implications of this incident and the South Korean president's strong response to Ukraine's actions, you can read more in our article on the repercussions of the disclosure at the UN Assembly.