Seoul:South Korea is continuing efforts to resolve its diplomatic dispute with Ukraine while insisting on an apology from Kyiv for disclosing the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul, the foreign ministry stated.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the statement followed remarks by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who claimed the issue had been resolved, attributing it to differing interpretations of confidentiality during the POWs' transfer. Despite this, Seoul has maintained its demand for an apology and recalled its ambassador, indicating that it did not agree with Kyiv's assessment.
The diplomatic tension originated when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer of two North Korean soldiers during a United Nations General Assembly address last month. These soldiers, captured in January 2025 while fighting for Russia, arrived in South Korea in mid-September. Seoul contends that a nondisclosure agreement was made to protect the soldiers and their families, which it accuses Zelenskyy of violating—a claim Ukraine denies.
Seoul is actively seeking a diplomatic resolution and hopes for a positive response from Ukraine to its efforts. The South Korean government remains in communication with Ukraine and is consulting closely with its recalled ambassador to address the situation.