South Korea plans to recall ambassador over North Korean prisoner transfer row
South Korea announced on Thursday it would recall its ambassador to Ukraine following a dispute about the public disclosure of two North Korean soldiers transferred from Kyiv.
Diplomatic row deepens quickly
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun stated that messages received from Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha did not meet South Korean expectations. The minister told lawmakers that Seoul intends to take firm measures regarding the situation. Officials are now considering options such as recalling the ambassador stationed in Kyiv.
Confidentiality agreement disputed
Seoul claimed the two nations had agreed to keep the transfer secret to protect families in North Korea. Ukraine subsequently denied that any agreement for secrecy existed between the governments. The soldiers were captured fighting for Russia in January 2025 and arrived in South Korea in mid-September.
Fuel shipment accusations arise
A separate report alleges that over 176,000 tonnes of fuel shipped from South Korea to Russia during July and August. This development has sparked new accusations that Seoul is helping alleviate Russian fuel shortages. The government confirmed the decision to recall the ambassador in a formal statement.
2 outlets, different leads
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Anadolu Agency
South Korea not satisfied with Ukraine’s ‘apology message’ over controversial transfer of North Korean soldiers
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South China Morning Post
South Korea to recall ambassador from Ukraine amid POW dispute
Reported by
2 independent outlets. Headlines as published. Links open the original report.