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South Korea has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine for disclosing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to South Korea, saying Kyiv violated a confidentiality agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York last week.
The two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025 after being deployed to support Moscow’s war.
South Korea’s presidential office said Ukraine had repeatedly discussed the transfer with Seoul and had requested that the matter remain confidential because of its sensitivity.
Seoul agreed, citing security, diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, including the safety of the prisoners and their families.
Senior Presidential Secretary for Public Relations Seong Ghi-hong said Seoul strongly regretted Ukraine’s unilateral disclosure and its subsequent denial that a confidentiality agreement existed.
He said the South Korean government was considering further measures.
Ukraine, however, has denied that such an agreement existed. A Ukrainian presidential adviser said Kyiv had simply disclosed the fact of the transfer and that there was no confidentiality deal.
The dispute has raised concerns in Seoul about trust and relations between the two governments.
