SEOUL, South Korea — South Korea has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine over the disclosure of the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul, accusing Kyiv of violating a confidentiality agreement and subsequently denying that such an agreement existed.
South Korea’s presidential office expressed “strong regret” over Ukraine’s handling of the matter, warning that the dispute had seriously damaged trust between the two governments and could affect bilateral relations.
Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, said in a statement on Sunday that Seoul was reviewing possible additional measures if necessary.
According to Seong, Ukraine had repeatedly discussed the prisoners’ transfer with South Korea through various diplomatic channels and had specifically requested that the arrangement remain confidential.
Kyiv reportedly argued that publicly revealing the transfer could provoke criticism at home, particularly over the possibility that the two North Korean soldiers could have been exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia.
Seoul said it accepted the request for secrecy because of concerns about the prisoners’ safety, the welfare of their families still living in North Korea, and wider diplomatic and national security implications.
However, South Korea said Ukraine subsequently disclosed the transfer during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week, without adequate prior consultation.
South Korean President expresses disappointment
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had earlier criticised Ukraine’s disclosure, saying both countries had agreed to keep the transfer confidential.
In a post on X, Lee said the decision not to publicise the transfer had been appropriate because of the potential consequences for diplomacy and security.
“I do not know what circumstances led the Ukrainian side to disclose the matter despite the confidentiality agreement, but it is deeply regrettable,” Lee wrote.
He also described the issue as highly sensitive, with possible implications for national security and the wider security environment on the Korean Peninsula.
The South Korean presidential office subsequently said it was particularly concerned about reports that a Ukrainian presidential source had denied the existence of a confidentiality agreement. Seoul said that denial had further undermined confidence between the two governments.
Ukraine’s position
Zelensky announced the transfer during his address to the UN General Assembly, explaining that the two North Korean soldiers had been captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine’s war.
Following the announcement, Ukrainian officials reportedly maintained that the transfer had been carried out through direct discussions with Seoul. A Ukrainian presidential source was also reported by local media as disputing the existence of a confidentiality agreement.
Ukraine’s embassy in Seoul did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on South Korea’s latest demand for an explanation and apology.
North Korean soldiers captured in Russia
The two soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025, following North Korea’s deployment of troops to support Moscow’s military campaign against Ukraine.
Their capture was significant because they were the first North Korean soldiers captured alive by Ukrainian forces since Pyongyang became directly involved in the conflict in 2024.
South Korea had previously refrained from confirming their arrival, citing concerns over the safety of the prisoners and their relatives in North Korea.
Discussions about transferring the soldiers to South Korea reportedly began after both men expressed a desire to travel there. An opposition lawmaker in Seoul had also disclosed that negotiations over their transfer were under way.
Diplomatic implications
The dispute comes as South Korea seeks to revive dialogue with North Korea, while the United States has also renewed its interest in engaging with Pyongyang.
President Lee’s administration has expressed support for renewed diplomatic engagement and efforts to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to resume discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The disagreement over the prisoners’ transfer adds a diplomatic complication to Seoul’s relations with Kyiv, although the extent of its impact on future cooperation between the two countries remains unclear.
South Korea has not announced specific punitive measures against Ukraine but says it is considering further action if necessary. Its demand for an official explanation and apology underscores the seriousness with which Seoul views the alleged breach of confidentiality.
