Ukraine transferred two captured North Korean soldiers fighting for Russian forces to South Korea in January 2025, sparking a diplomatic standoff after Kyiv publicly revealed the transfer at the United Nations. South Korean officials demanded an official apology, stating that the unilateral disclosure violated strict confidentiality agreements established to protect the soldiers’ families from regime retaliation.
UN General Assembly Disclosure Triggers Diplomatic Rift
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer during his address to the UN General Assembly in New York, stating that two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Russia’s Kursk region had been sent to Seoul at their own request. The disclosure immediately ignited tensions between Kyiv and South Korea. According to lasi.lv, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung criticized the Ukrainian leader for breaking confidentiality agreements vital for safeguarding the relatives of North Korean defectors.
The South Korean presidential office escalated the dispute when Songs Gi Hong, the president’s senior public relations advisor, demanded a formal explanation and apology from Kyiv. As reported by lasi.lv, the advisor stated that Ukraine’s actions “seriously undermine trust between the two governments and cause serious damage to friendly relations.” Seoul subsequently warned that it would weigh additional measures if Kyiv refused to acknowledge the diplomatic breach.
Contrasting Explanations From Kyiv and Seoul
Ukrainian officials defended the disclosure by arguing that they only revealed the fact of the transfer rather than operational details. In comments provided to the Yonhap news agency, the Ukrainian presidential office asserted that keeping the entire operation secret would be illogical, as reported by lasi.lv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha attempted to ease tensions by describing the disagreement during a televised interview as a “diplomatic misunderstanding” rather than a severe incident, emphasizing Seoul’s importance as a strategic partner.
South Korean officials rejected that characterization, insisting that bilateral consultations had established clear protocols regarding confidentiality. President Lee accused Kyiv of painting him as a liar on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that the issue directly impacts the dignity of the Republic of Korea and its citizens.
Capture in Kursk and Defection Wishes
Ukrainian forces captured the two North Korean soldiers in early 2025 in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops entered following a cross-border offensive in August 2024, according to lasi.lv. While still detained in Ukraine, both prisoners expressed a clear desire to relocate to South Korea rather than face repatriation to North Korea, where defectors and their families frequently face severe state-sponsored reprisals.
South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in June that Seoul stood ready to accept North Korean soldiers captured in Ukraine if they expressed that intent. Seoul historically considers the entire Korean Peninsula its sovereign territory under its constitution and provides financial support and settlement assistance to defectors. Government data shows that more than 34,000 people have fled from North Korea to the South since the end of the Korean War in 1953, though frontline military defections remain exceedingly rare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did South Korea demand an apology from Ukraine?
Seoul demanded an official apology because Ukrainian leadership publicly disclosed the transfer of the prisoners at the UN General Assembly in New York, which South Korean officials maintained violated a clear bilateral agreement to keep the arrangement confidential for family safety reasons.
How many North Korean soldiers were sent to South Korea?
Ukraine transferred two North Korean soldiers who had been captured while fighting alongside Russian military forces in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025.
What is South Korea’s official policy regarding North Korean defectors?
South Korea views North Korea as part of its territory and routinely accepts defectors, offering them financial support, housing assistance, and integration programs upon arrival.
What level of support has South Korea provided to Ukraine?
South Korea has refrained from providing direct lethal military assistance to Kyiv, though it has supplied humanitarian aid and joined international economic sanctions against Russia following the 2022 invasion.
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