South Korea’s presidential office has demanded an official apology from Ukraine after accusing the country of disclosing the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul. Senior presidential secretary for public relations, Seong Ghi-hong, stated that Kyiv’s disclosure violated a non-disclosure agreement and damaged bilateral trust. The dispute centers on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement at the UN General Assembly, where he revealed the transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured in Russia’s Kursk region.
South Korea Condemns Ukraine Over North Korean POW Transfer Disclosure
Zelenskyy described the soldiers as “not easy to capture alive,” noting one attempted suicide before being taken. He also criticized North Korea’s involvement in the war, calling it “madness” for Pyongyang to deploy troops. South Korea, however, had previously declined to confirm the soldiers’ arrival, citing safety concerns for the soldiers and their families in North Korea.
The Diplomatic Fallout
South Korea’s foreign ministry summoned Ukraine’s envoy to protest the disclosure, demanding an explanation. Seong Ghi-hong emphasized that Ukraine had repeatedly discussed the transfer with Seoul through various channels and had requested secrecy. Kyiv later denied the existence of a confidentiality agreement, further escalating tensions. President Lee Jae Myung called the issue of repatriating North Korean prisoners of war a “highly sensitive agenda,” warning that it could harm inter-Korean relations and national interests.
Opposition politician Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party criticized Lee’s government for withholding information, asking, “Why did you hide it?” The controversy highlights the delicate balance between transparency and diplomatic sensitivity in handling POW transfers.
North Korean Troops in Ukraine: Scale and Role
Ukrainian and South Korean estimates suggest 14,000 to 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to support Russia’s war effort, primarily in the Kursk region. Pyongyang, a close Russian ally, has also supplied weapons, including ballistic missiles and artillery systems. The soldiers were the first North Korean soldiers to be captured alive since Pyongyang began in 2024 to aid Moscow’s war efforts against Ukraine.
Human rights groups and South Korean media reported that the two POWs expressed a desire to defect, adding to the geopolitical complexity. South Korea remains technically at war with the North due to the 1953 armistice.
What Happens Next for the POWs?
South Korean authorities are expected to conduct security screenings and determine the soldiers’ fate under the North Korean Defectors Protection and Settlement Support Act. The Ministry of Unification aims to review their cases. Opposition lawmaker Yu Yong-weon, who met the soldiers in Ukraine in February 2025, stated they served in North Korea’s special forces and could provide intelligence on Pyongyang’s military capabilities.
The outcome could set a precedent for future POW transfers and influence South Korea’s approach to defectors. However, Pyongyang’s opposition to reunification and its strict control over its citizens complicate any long-term resolution.
FAQ: Understanding the POW Transfer Crisis
Why is the disclosure of North Korean POWs controversial?
The transfer’s secrecy was critical to protecting the soldiers’ safety and maintaining diplomatic relations. Ukraine’s public announcement, followed by denial of a confidentiality agreement, violated expectations and raised questions about transparency.
How many North Korean soldiers are fighting in Ukraine?
Estimates range from 14,000 to 15,000, according to Ukrainian and South Korean assessments. They are primarily stationed in Russia’s Kursk region, where they have engaged in combat against Ukrainian forces.
What legal framework governs North Korean defectors in South Korea?
The North Korean Defectors Protection and Settlement Support Act outlines procedures for security screenings and resettlement. The National Intelligence Service investigates applicants in temporary protective custody.
Did you know? South Korea and North Korea remain technically at war due to the 1953 armistice, not a peace treaty. This status underscores the sensitivity of any actions involving North Korean citizens.
Pro tip: Diplomatic protocols for POW transfers often prioritize secrecy to avoid escalating conflicts. However, public disclosures can trigger political backlash, as seen in this case.
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