South Korea announced Thursday that it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine, intensifying its protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The diplomatic friction stems from Zelenskyy’s recent disclosure of a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. The announcement follows statements from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who threatened punitive steps if Ukraine refused to apologize for the revelation. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry did not specify when Ambassador Park Hee-chang will return home. However, a ministry statement noted that Seoul will maintain consultations with Ukraine and expressed hope that the bilateral dispute will be resolved smoothly. The diplomatic row began after Zelenskyy discussed the transfer of the North Korean soldiers during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 23. South Korea argues that Ukraine breached a nondisclosure agreement established during the mid-September transfer, whereas Kyiv has denied the existence of any such pact. The captured individuals were among numerous North Korean troops deployed to aid Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine. Following their capture in early 2025, the soldiers expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea to avoid potential persecution upon repatriation. Seoul agreed to accept them based on its legal framework recognizing the North as part of its territory, alongside established policies supporting North Korean defectors. Officials in Seoul explained that the nondisclosure agreement was designed to safeguard the safety of the soldiers and their relatives remaining in North Korea. Nonetheless, analysts suggest that South Korea’s liberal administration is also concerned that publicizing their arrival could jeopardize ongoing efforts to improve inter-Korean relations. North Korean state media has not publicly addressed the transfer. Historically, Pyongyang has reacted with intense hostility toward major defections, frequently accusing Seoul of abduction. Since 2019, North Korea has largely avoided dialogue with South Korea and the United States, choosing instead to concentrate on expanding its nuclear capabilities. It remains uncertain whether South Korea will implement additional measures. Experts emphasize that maintaining a stable relationship with Ukraine serves South Korea’s national interests, particularly regarding valuable intelligence on North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia and battlefield tactics. Furthermore, collaboration with Ukraine is viewed as vital for South Korea’s alliances with Western nations supporting Kyiv. Observers believe Zelenskyy revealed the prisoner transfer to highlight the risks of North Korea’s support for Moscow, aiming to secure broader international backing. Since 2022, South Korea has delivered $445 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, with President Lee pledging an additional $100 million during a meeting with Zelenskyy in July.
Source: npr.org
