South Korea summoned a Ukrainian diplomat over the transfer of DPRK prisoners

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea summoned the chargé d'affaires of Ukraine, Andrii Veshkin, after a dispute over the transfer to Seoul of two North Korean servicemen captured by Ukraine during fighting against Russian forces. Seoul demanded official explanations and apologies from Kyiv.

As reported by Yonhap, on September 28, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of South Korea Park Yun Ju conveyed the government's position to the Ukrainian diplomat and expressed serious concern over Kyiv's actions.

The reason was President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech at the UN General Assembly, in which he said that Ukraine handed over two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Seoul claims that there was an agreement between the parties not to disclose this operation.

The South Korean side explains the confidentiality requirement by security considerations for the servicemen themselves and their relatives remaining in the DPRK. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung earlier stated that the disclosure of information could have consequences for diplomacy, national security, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

Additional dissatisfaction in Seoul was caused by reports in Ukrainian media, citing a source in the Office of the President of Ukraine, according to which the non-disclosure agreement allegedly did not exist. The South Korean foreign ministry called the denial of such an agreement a step that seriously undermines trust between the two states and could harm bilateral relations.

Park Yun Ju demanded that the Ukrainian side officially clarify the situation, apologize, and take measures to prevent similar cases in the future. Veshkin, according to the South Korean side, stated that he listened carefully to Seoul's position and would convey it to the government of Ukraine.

The two DPRK servicemen were captured by Ukrainian forces in January 2025 after Russia sent them to the Kursk region. Later, both expressed a desire to move to South Korea. Kyiv and Seoul discussed their future fate, and the presidents of the two countries previously agreed to take into account the free will of the prisoners and humanitarian principles.

Before Zelensky's public statement, the South Korean authorities did not confirm the arrival of the North Koreans, citing precisely security threats to them. After the Ukrainian president's speech, Seoul effectively confirmed that the transfer took place.

The day before, the South Korean presidential administration had already expressed "strong regret" over Ukraine's actions and stated that it would consider additional measures if necessary. Thus, the summoning of the Ukrainian diplomat became the next official step by Seoul in the emerging diplomatic dispute.

Based on materials from: Yonhap News Agency, AFP.