South Korea demands Ukraine apologise for announcing North Korean prisoner of war transfer

South Korea has demanded a full explanation and apology from Ukraine, accusing it of disclosing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to the country without its consent.

The diplomatic spat comes after Ukrainian President Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly last week that his country had transferred two North Korean soldiers to South Korea after they were caught fighting for Russia. Seoul also accused Kyiv of falsely denying that the two countries had agreed to keep the transfers of North Koreans caught fighting for Russia secret.

Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, said in a statement on Sunday that the government was reviewing additional measures over the issue if necessary. He said 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. He said South Korea agreed to keep the transfer confidential given security, diplomatic and humanitarian concerns, including the safety of the prisoners and their families.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung days earlier said Ukraine had disclosed the transfer in breach of a non-disclosure agreement, and the issue had seriously damaged trust between Seoul and Kyiv.

Ukraine’s embassy in Seoul did not respond to any media request for comment.