South Korea claims secret POW deal with Ukraine was broken, warns of retaliation
Seoul says written proof exists of a secret agreement with Kyiv to keep the transfer of two North Korean POWs hidden, and President Lee Jae Myung threatens extra measures if Ukraine does not apologise.
The South Korean foreign ministry says it possesses written records confirming a secret arrangement with Ukraine to keep the transfer of two North Korean POWs undisclosed. The agreement, allegedly negotiated since the previous administration, was intended to protect the prisoners and their families. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referenced the transfer in a UN General Assembly speech, prompting Seoul to accuse Kyiv of violating the pact.
Kyiv rejects the claim, insisting no such confidentiality deal existed. President Lee Jae Myung has warned that South Korea will consider additional actions if Ukraine does not apologise, and both sides are currently discussing the content of a possible Ukrainian statement. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the dispute as a diplomatic misunderstanding and expressed a desire for a swift resolution.
Why it matters
The dispute could strain South Korea-Ukraine relations and affect diplomatic handling of sensitive POW issues.
How this story developed
- Sep 22 EU prepares sanctions on North Korean elite camp hosting Ukrainian children
- Sep 24 Zelenskyy publicly announced the transfer of the two North Korean POWs at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 27 Parliamentary opposition pressed the government for a public rationale after the UN disclosure.
- Sep 29 South Korea formally summoned Ukraine’s chargé d’affaires and demanded an apology for the UN disclosure.
- Oct 2 South Korean intelligence briefed the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee about Ukraine's request for secrecy in the transfer.
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