South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on 2/10 stated that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky's disclosure of information regarding the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) is a matter of national dignity for South Korea and its people, which "cannot be overlooked." Lee warned that if Ukraine continues to deny the facts and refuses to issue a public apology, South Korea "will take further measures." He did not specify what those actions might entail.

South Korean intelligence had previously suggested that President Zelensky might have decided to publicize the North Korean POW transfer, hoping to generate South Korean public support for providing weapons and other aid to Kyiv.

President Zelensky revealed at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that his country had handed over two North Korean POWs to South Korea. He noted that these individuals were "not easily captured alive" during fighting in Russia's Kursk province.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaks at the United Nations headquarters on 22/9. *AP*

Hours after Zelensky's statement, the South Korean President expressed dissatisfaction, as Seoul considers keeping the information about the two POWs confidential to be crucial. On 28/9, South Korea summoned Ukraine's diplomatic representative to convey "deep concern" over Kyiv's public disclosure.

Lee accused Ukraine of unilaterally revealing the POW transfer details to South Korea, despite previously requesting Seoul to keep the information confidential. The South Korean president suggested that Ukraine's denial of a confidentiality agreement effectively labeled a partner nation's leader a "liar."

"Instead of acknowledging the agreement and offering an apology, they referred to the risk of an inter-Korean military conflict in the near future," President Lee stated, further accusing Ukraine of intending "to drag the Korean peninsula into war."

Meanwhile, Ukraine maintains there was no confidentiality agreement regarding the transfer and has not apologized. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed the situation in an interview with local media on 1/10, describing it as a "diplomatic misunderstanding" and stating he "did not want to call it an incident." Sybiha emphasized the importance of the relationship: "South Korea is an important country for us. I highly anticipate the momentum, sustainable cooperation, and specific results that we are truly achieving with them."

North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces during fighting in Russia's Kursk province in 1/2025. *Kyiv Independent*

According to the South Korean Constitution, all North Koreans are considered South Korean citizens. Officials confirmed this applies to North Korean soldiers captured in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These soldiers were deployed by North Korea to Russia to assist in defending Kursk province against Ukraine's offensive campaign in late 2024.

Ngoc Anh (According to AFP, Yonhap, Reuters)