South Korea's presidential office has expressed strong regret over Ukraine's unilateral disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. The office also criticized Ukraine for falsely denying that the two sides had agreed to keep the move confidential. According to Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, the government is reviewing additional measures over the issue if necessary.
Ukraine had repeatedly discussed the prisoners' transfer with Seoul through various channels and had requested secrecy, arguing that public disclosure could trigger domestic criticism that Kyiv had given up an opportunity to exchange the soldiers for Ukrainian prisoners. South Korea agreed to keep the transfer confidential given security, diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, including the safety of the prisoners and their families.
The transfer of the two North Korean soldiers was disclosed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in his address to the United Nations General Assembly without sufficient prior consultation. Ukraine subsequently denied the existence of any confidentiality agreement, which seriously damaged trust between the two governments and could harm bilateral relations.
The two North Korean soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025 while fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. They were the first North Korean soldiers to be captured alive since Pyongyang entered the war in 2024, assisting Russia. South Korea had previously declined to confirm the soldiers' arrival, citing concerns for their safety and that of family members still in North Korea.
According to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, Ukraine disclosed the transfer in breach of a non-disclosure agreement. Lee said it was appropriate in every aspect not to disclose the transfer, given the potential consequences, and that the two sides had agreed to keep it confidential. He expressed regret over Ukraine's actions, stating that he does not know what circumstances led the Ukrainian side to disclose the matter despite the confidentiality agreement.
The transfer comes as South Korea has backed efforts to revive dialogue with North Korea, while US President Donald Trump has renewed his willingness to engage with Pyongyang. Seoul and Kyiv had been discussing a possible transfer after the two soldiers expressed a desire to go to South Korea, according to an opposition lawmaker in Seoul.
Ukraine's embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. The incident has strained relations between South Korea and Ukraine, with South Korea demanding an official explanation and apology from Ukraine over the disclosure of the transfer of the two North Korean prisoners of war.
Key points
- South Korea demands an official explanation and apology from Ukraine over the disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war.
- Ukraine's disclosure of the transfer damaged trust between the two governments and could harm bilateral relations.
- The transfer of the two North Korean soldiers was made in accordance with their desire to go to South Korea and was agreed upon by both Seoul and Kyiv.
