South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung has warned of unspecified “further action” if Ukraine fails to issue a public apology for revealing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to the South. The disclosure, made by Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelensky last week, has ignited a diplomatic row, with Seoul asserting the move was meant to remain secret, according to the BBC.
President Lee Jae-myung’s Stance on Ukraine’s Disclosure
President Lee Jae-myung rejected Ukraine’s characterisation of the situation as a “diplomatic misunderstanding,” stating on X that it concerned “the dignity of the Korean people and the nation.” Seoul claims it was Ukraine that initially requested the transfer be kept confidential, partly to protect the North Korean POWs’ families from potential retaliation by Pyongyang and to prevent criticism over missed opportunities for Ukrainian prisoner exchanges with Russia, Euronews reports. Lee accused Kyiv of making him out to be a “liar” and attempting to “bring war on the Korean Peninsula” by discussing an “imminent military clash” instead of acknowledging the agreement and apologising. The two North Korean soldiers had been captured by Ukrainian forces after supporting Russia in the war and had expressed a desire to be sent to South Korea.
Ukraine’s Response and Diplomatic Efforts
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the situation as a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and confirmed that Kyiv was “working” to resolve it. Speaking to Ukrainian media, Sybiha expressed hope for a resolution, stating, “South Korea is an important country for us. And I very much hope for momentum, continued cooperation, and concrete results that we are indeed achieving with them.” However, Zelensky’s office countered Seoul’s claim, stating that the two countries had no such agreement to keep the transfer confidential. South Korea’s spy agency reportedly suggested that Zelenskyy might have disclosed the transfer to boost public support in South Korea for Seoul providing arms to Ukraine.
Broader Context and Political Ramifications
The dispute comes despite Seoul’s general sympathy towards Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion. South Korea has, however, adhered to its longstanding policy of not providing lethal weapons to any country engaged in active war. Domestically, President Lee has faced criticism following Zelensky’s disclosure, with the South Korean opposition accusing him of covering up the transfer to appease Pyongyang. Analysts note that while the confidentiality might have served Ukraine’s interests in prisoner exchanges, the government’s swift action in this case, contrasted with its caution on other issues, “could leave the public deeply dissatisfied,” according to political science professor Shin Yul.
