South Korea demands Ukrainian apology over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung threatened unspecified “additional measures” against Ukraine unless Kyiv publicly apologizes for disclosing the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the transfer during a speech to the United Nations General Assembly last week. Seoul says Ukraine had requested that the operation remain confidential, partly to protect the soldiers’ families and avoid affecting possible prisoner exchanges with Russia. Zelensky’s office disputes that any confidentiality agreement existed.

Lee said Ukraine’s denial made him appear to be a liar and called the dispute a matter involving South Korea’s national dignity. He did not specify what measures Seoul could take. South Korea summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires after Zelensky’s announcement.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the dispute Thursday as a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and said Kyiv was working to resolve it, calling South Korea an important partner.

Lee also expressed “grave regret” over Ukrainian comments warning of a possible military clash on the Korean Peninsula, accusing Kyiv of encouraging conflict. The remarks appeared to refer to comments by Zelensky’s chief of staff, Kyrylo Budanov, who said North Korea was gaining battlefield experience from its deployment alongside Russian forces and preparing for possible combat in its region.

The two soldiers had been captured while fighting for Russia and had previously said they wanted to go to South Korea.