South Korea Demands Ukraine Apology Over POW Disclosure
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has threatened further measures if Ukraine does not publicly apologize for revealing the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war.
Quick facts
- Two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukraine last year while supporting Russian forces.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer of these POWs to South Korea at the UN last week.
- South Korea claims the disclosure violates confidentiality agreements intended to protect the soldiers' families.
Why it matters
The diplomatic rift highlights the delicate position of South Korea regarding the war in Ukraine, particularly as Pyongyang increases its military cooperation with Moscow. The dispute underscores the risks associated with managing North Korean defectors and the intense domestic political pressure President Lee faces regarding his foreign policy and relations with the North.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has issued a formal warning to Ukraine, stating that Seoul will take unspecified "further measures" if the Ukrainian government does not issue a public apology. The tension follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s decision to disclose that two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) were transferred to South Korea.
What happened?
The dispute centers on two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces early last year. These soldiers had been deployed to support Russia's war effort. According to South Korean officials, the transfer of these individuals to the South was intended to remain confidential to protect their families from potential retaliation in North Korea. However, President Zelenskyy revealed the transfer during his address to the United Nations General Assembly last week.
Why is it trending?
The disclosure has caused significant diplomatic friction. President Lee expressed strong dismay, arguing that the public reveal endangered the families of the soldiers. Furthermore, the South Korean opposition has criticized President Lee, alleging that the administration attempted to conceal the transfer to avoid upsetting Pyongyang. President Lee has rejected claims from the Ukrainian Foreign Minister that the situation is merely a "diplomatic misunderstanding," emphasizing that the matter concerns the dignity of the Korean nation.
What happens next?
The Ukrainian government maintains that no agreement existed to keep the transfer secret. As of October 3, 2026, the situation remains unresolved. President Lee has not provided specific details regarding what "further measures" may be taken, and the potential impact on bilateral relations between Seoul and Kyiv remains uncertain.
Frequently asked questions
Why is South Korea angry at Ukraine?
South Korea is angry because Ukraine publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. South Korean officials state this information was supposed to remain confidential to ensure the safety of the soldiers' families from potential retaliation in North Korea.
What did Ukraine say about the POW disclosure?
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the situation as a "diplomatic misunderstanding" and stated that Kyiv is working to resolve it. However, the office of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy maintains that there was no agreement between the two nations to keep the transfer of the prisoners secret.
Who are the North Korean soldiers mentioned?
The individuals are two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces early last year. They had been deployed to support Russia's military operations in Ukraine in exchange for economic and military assistance provided to Pyongyang.
What measures has South Korea threatened?
President Lee Jae-myung has threatened "further measures" against Ukraine if a public apology is not issued. At the time of writing, the specific nature of these measures has not been confirmed or detailed by the South Korean government.
How has the South Korean opposition reacted?
The South Korean opposition has criticized President Lee, accusing his administration of attempting to cover up the transfer of the North Korean soldiers to appease Pyongyang. This domestic pressure has further complicated the government's handling of the diplomatic row.
Is the wider context of North Korean involvement confirmed?
Yes, reports confirm that thousands of North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russia's war in Ukraine. This involvement is part of a broader exchange for economic and military assistance provided to North Korea by Russia.
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Last checked Oct 3, 2026 at 6:45 AM. Trends move fast, so details may change. How we work
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