South Korea Recalls Ambassador to Ukraine Over POW Revelation

SEOUL, South Korea -- South Korea announced Thursday it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine, Lee Moo-hyun, as part of an escalating protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent disclosure of a transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war.

This decision follows a warning from South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who had threatened unspecified punitive actions if Ukraine did not apologize for the revelation.

The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that discussions regarding the ambassador's return are ongoing and expressed hope for a smooth resolution to the dispute. The transfer of the two North Korean soldiers occurred in mid-September, and South Korea claims Ukraine violated a non-disclosure agreement made at the time.

Kyiv, however, has denied that any such agreement was in place. The North Korean soldiers were among those deployed to support Russia's war efforts in Ukraine. Having been captured in early 2025, they reportedly expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea rather than face potential persecution if returned to North Korea. South Korea, which legally considers North Korea part of its territory, has a policy of accepting and supporting North Korean defectors.

South Korean officials indicated the non-disclosure agreement was intended to protect the soldiers and their relatives in North Korea. However, some experts suggest that South Korea's current administration may also be concerned that publicizing the transfer could hinder its efforts to improve relations with Pyongyang.

North Korea's state media has not yet commented on the soldiers' transfer. However, the country has previously reacted with anger to significant defections, accusing South Korea of abduction. North Korea has largely shunned diplomatic talks with South Korea and the United States since 2019, focusing instead on its nuclear program.

The potential consequences for the diplomatic row remain unclear. Experts note that maintaining good relations with Ukraine is in South Korea's national interest, as Kyiv could provide valuable intelligence on North Korea's growing cooperation with Russia and its combat experiences. Furthermore, cooperation with Ukraine is seen as important for South Korea's partnerships with Western nations supporting Ukraine in its ongoing conflict.

Observers suggest that Zelenskyy's disclosure may have been intended to highlight the danger posed by North Korea's military support to Russia, thereby seeking to garner increased international assistance.

Since 2022, South Korea has provided $445 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine. In July, President Lee pledged an additional $100 million in aid during a meeting with Zelenskyy.