South Korea has called for a formal explanation and apology from Ukraine following the public disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean soldiers to South Korea. The South Korean government emphasized that the transfer was meant to remain confidential due to its sensitive nature, impacting national security, inter-Korean relations, and the safety of the soldiers and their families.
President Lee Jae-myung criticized Ukraine’s decision to reveal the transfer, noting that both nations had agreed to keep the details private. The South Korean administration expressed concerns that Ukraine’s denial of any confidentiality agreement has further strained relations between the two countries.
Ukraine, however, disputes South Korea’s claims. A Ukrainian presidential official stated that South Korea had been informed in advance that President Volodymyr Zelensky might mention the soldiers during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. Ukraine clarified that while they disclosed the transfer of the soldiers to South Korea, they did not provide specific details about the timing or circumstances of the operation.
South Korean officials acknowledged that they were aware Zelensky might reference the prisoners but insisted that they had requested the soldiers’ destination remain undisclosed. The disagreement between the two governments centers on the specifics of what information was to be kept confidential, with South Korea asserting that the transfer itself was included in the confidentiality agreement and Ukraine maintaining that there was no such understanding.
The two North Korean soldiers were captured in January 2025 by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region, where they were deployed alongside North Korean troops supporting Russia. They reportedly chose to travel to South Korea instead of returning to North Korea, adding a layer of complexity to the already sensitive issue.