South Korea threatens action if Ukraine does not apologize over POW transfer

President Lee demands public apology

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated on Friday that his country would take additional steps if Ukraine refuses to acknowledge a confidentiality agreement and issue an apology. The dispute began after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed at the United Nations General Assembly last month that two North Korean prisoners of war were sent to South Korea. Seoul claims this disclosure violated a secret arrangement intended to protect the soldiers and their families in North Korea.

Ukraine calls it a misunderstanding

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the situation as a diplomatic misunderstanding while Kyiv works to resolve the issue with Seoul. Lee rejected this characterization on social media, arguing the matter concerns the dignity of the Korean people and nation. The South Korean opposition has criticized President Lee for allegedly covering up the transfer to appease Pyongyang.