South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is demanding a public apology from Ukraine over its disclosure of transferring captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul, threatening further action. Ukraine had allegedly breached a confidentiality agreement, leading Seoul to summon their chargé d’affaires.
The dispute highlights differing perspectives on the sensitivity of the transfer, with Ukraine labeling it a “diplomatic misunderstanding” while South Korea views it as a serious breach of trust.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has issued a stern warning to Ukraine, threatening "additional measures" unless Kyiv issues a public apology regarding the disclosure of two captured North Korean soldiers being transferred to Seoul. The dispute centers on an alleged breach of a non-disclosure agreement, with Ukraine describing the situation as a "diplomatic misunderstanding."
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES - SEPTEMBER 22: President of South Korea Lee Jae Myung addresses the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, which brings together leaders and senior representatives of UN member states in New York, United States, on September 22, 2026. (Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images)
President Lee expressed strong dissatisfaction via a post on X, stating that Ukraine unilaterally revealed the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war despite a request for confidentiality. He criticized Ukraine's subsequent claims of no secrecy agreement, which he feels has undermined his credibility. "As this is a matter concerning the honor of the Republic of Korea's people and nation, we cannot overlook it," Lee stated in Korean, as translated by Google.
The controversy erupted when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the United Nations General Assembly that Kyiv had sent the two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. This announcement prompted Seoul to accuse Ukraine of violating a nondisclosure agreement and led to the summoning of Ukraine's chargé d'affaires. Seoul maintains that Ukraine had requested the transfer remain secret to avoid negatively impacting potential prisoner exchanges with Russia.
Adding to the tension, Ukrainian presidential chief of staff Kyrylo Budanov recently commented in an interview that North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine-Russia conflict was a prelude to combat on the Korean Peninsula, suggesting an escalating situation with potentially "uncontrolled consequences."
South Korea's National Intelligence Service reportedly suggested to lawmakers that Zelenskyy's public announcement may have been an attempt to garner support from Seoul for sending weapons and aid to Ukraine. This comes as Ukraine has previously requested air defense systems from South Korea, a request Seoul has not yet supported, though it has provided humanitarian aid.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has reportedly downplayed the dispute as a "diplomatic misunderstanding" that Ukraine expects to resolve, emphasizing Seoul's importance as a partner. However, President Lee's firm stance suggests that South Korea is unlikely to let the matter rest without a satisfactory resolution and apology from Kyiv.
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