South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine Over North Korean POW Transfer Disclosure

South Korea has demanded an official explanation and an apology from Ukraine over the disclosure of two North Korean prisoners of war transferred to South Korea. Seoul says Kyiv had agreed to keep the sensitive transfer confidential. However, South Korea has accused Ukraine of later denying that a confidentiality agreement existed. Seoul says the dispute has damaged trust between the two governments and could also affect wider cooperation between South Korea and Ukraine.

The dispute has focused attention on the handling of the two North Korean POWs and the diplomatic relationship between Seoul and Kyiv. South Korea says the confidentiality arrangement was important because of security and humanitarian concerns surrounding the prisoners and their families. In addition, Seoul has raised concerns about the wider consequences of the disclosure. The issue now adds another sensitive point to relations between the two countries as South Korea continues to support Ukraine amid Russia’s war.

Zelenskyy’s UN Disclosure Brings North Korean POWs Into Focus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Ukrainian forces captured the soldiers in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, after North Korea sent troops to support Russia. They were among the first North Korean soldiers captured alive in the conflict. South Korea had previously avoided confirming their arrival because of security concerns involving the men and their families.

The disclosure has since triggered a dispute over whether Seoul and Kyiv had agreed to keep the transfer confidential. South Korea says the two sides had reached an understanding to handle the matter privately, while Zelenskyy’s aide Dmytro Lytvyn has denied that any such agreement existed. He said Ukraine had only disclosed the fact of the transfer. The dispute comes as North Korea has expanded its military support for Russia, including the deployment of troops and the supply of artillery ammunition and other equipment.

How South Korea Has Supported Ukraine During the Russia-Ukraine War

South Korea began supporting Ukraine with humanitarian and non-lethal assistance after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. Seoul provided about 100 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including medicines, medical equipment, children’s vaccines, emergency items and power generators. It also offered non-lethal military assistance, including protective gear, tents, blankets, ready-to-eat meals and first-aid materials. In 2023, Seoul expanded its role by announcing a $2.3 billion assistance package, with $200 million for immediate humanitarian needs and $2.1 billion in long-term, low-interest loans for reconstruction.

South Korea has since focused increasingly on Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. Its assistance has covered areas such as infrastructure, energy, healthcare and education. Seoul has also supported demining efforts through equipment and protective gear. In July 2026, President Lee Jae Myung pledged another $100 million for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction. However, South Korea has continued to withhold lethal weapons, despite Ukraine’s requests for air-defense and other defensive systems. The POW dispute has therefore added a new point of tension to the broader security and diplomatic ties between Seoul and Kyiv.

Web Resources On South Korea Demands Apology From Ukraine Over POW Disclosure

1. Reuters : South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean POW disclosure.
2. Euro News : Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine ‘breached’ confidentiality agreement over transfer of North Korean POWs.
3. CNN : South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer.
4. ABC.net : South Korea demands Ukraine apologise for revealing prisoner of war transfer.