South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun received an apology message from Ukrainian authorities after Kyiv unilaterally disclosed the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war, Voice of America reported on Oct. 6.
Diplomatic Friction Over Prisoner Disclosures
Minister Cho told the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee that he remains in continuous contact with his Ukrainian counterpart. He noted that the Ukrainian foreign minister feels deeply embarrassed and included words of apology in a recent message. However, Seoul views the contents of that apology as falling short of expectations, prompting the government to consider firm measures, including the potential recall of South Korea’s ambassador to Ukraine.
Seoul demands apology over disputed prisoner secrecy agreement
The diplomatic dispute centers on a prisoner transfer that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed during his recent United Nations General Assembly speech. Seoul maintains that both nations agreed to keep the repatriation of the two North Korean soldiers confidential. Ukrainian officials have pushed back against that claim, asserting that no such secrecy agreement existed. In response, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung stated that his administration will pursue additional measures unless Kyiv issues a fact acknowledgment and public apology.
Motivations Behind the UN Disclosure
Minister Cho offered a personal assessment regarding why President Zelenskyy chose to disclose the repatriation. He suggested that Ukraine’s leader wanted to broadcast to the United Nations that his government acted in accordance with free-democratic values. Meanwhile, Cho firmly rejected claims that Seoul promised military aid or other concessions to Ukraine in exchange for the prisoner transfer.
Why South Korea objects to Ukraine's prisoner announcement
Why did South Korea object to Ukraine announcing the prisoner repatriation?
Seoul and Kyiv initially agreed to handle the transfer of the two North Korean prisoners of war in private. South Korean officials argue that unilateral public disclosure violated that mutual understanding.
What specific actions is Seoul considering against Ukraine?
Foreign Minister Cho stated that the government is reviewing several options, which includes the potential recall of South Korea’s ambassador stationed in Ukraine.
Did South Korea provide weapons to Ukraine to secure the prisoners?
Foreign Minister Cho explicitly stated during the parliamentary audit that South Korea did not promise weapons or any other compensation to Ukraine in exchange for the prisoners.
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