"Ukraine's violation of the confidentiality agreement between the two countries and its unilateral disclosure of information is a very serious issue," stated Seong Ghi-hong, senior secretary for public relations to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, on 27/9.

The official referred to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement last week at the United Nations General Assembly, where he announced that Kyiv had handed over two 'North Korean prisoners' to South Korea, adding that capturing them alive was "not easy."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the United Nations General Assembly on 23/9. Photo: AP

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks at the United Nations General Assembly on 23/9. Photo: AP

"I do not know why the Ukrainian side broke the agreement and made the matter public, but this is very disappointing," President Lee Jae Myung later commented.

In response to this statement, Dmytro Lytvyn, an aide to President Zelensky, told reporters that Ukraine is a "transparent nation" and that handing over prisoners secretly would be strange. "We simply recounted the fact that they were brought to South Korea," Lytvyn said.

Ukrainian media, citing sources from the country's presidential office, denied that Seoul and Kyiv had a confidentiality agreement.

According to Seong, the "false statement" from the Ukrainian presidential office, claiming no confidentiality agreement existed, has "severely undermined trust between the two governments and heavily damaged the friendly relations between the two countries."

The official stated that the South Korean presidential office is demanding "an official explanation and apology," and is also considering "additional measures that may be necessary regarding this issue," though he did not elaborate.

Pyongyang has not yet commented.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Mexico on 24/9. Photo: AP

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Mexico on 24/9. Photo: AP

Early last year, Ukraine announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers belonging to forces deployed by Pyongyang to fight for Russia. A South Korean legislator mentioned that these two individuals desired a "normal life" in South Korea.

Under the South Korean constitution, all North Koreans are considered South Korean citizens. Officials confirmed that this also applies to North Korean soldiers captured during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine launched an offensive in Kursk province, Russia, in August 2024 and controlled a significant territory there for many months. According to a treaty signed between Russia and North Korea, Pyongyang sent forces to support and help Moscow liberate this area by late April 2025.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Korea Times)