South Korea is recalling its ambassador from Kyiv after Ukraine’s president publicly disclosed that two captured North Korean soldiers had been transferred to the South. Seoul says the disclosure broke a confidentiality agreement and put the men’s families at risk. Kyiv denies any such agreement existed.
South Korea says it will recall its ambassador to Kyiv, in a dispute over Ukraine’s disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war had been transferred to the South, Al Jazeera reported, citing news agencies.
“The government has decided to recall its ambassador to Ukraine,” South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday, October 8.
How the Row Began
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about the transfer of the two soldiers during his address to the United Nations General Assembly last month.
South Korea accused Ukraine of breaking a non-disclosure agreement relating to the transfer in mid-September. Kyiv denies that it agreed to any such arrangement.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had threatened unspecified punitive steps if Ukraine refused to apologise. The recall came days later.
Why Seoul Wanted Secrecy
South Korean officials said the agreement was made out of concern for the safety of the two soldiers and of their relatives in the North.
North Korea has not commented on the transfer. In the past it has reacted with fury to major defections, accusing South Korea of kidnapping its citizens.
Who the Soldiers Are
The two men were among thousands of North Korean troops sent to support Russia’s war against Ukraine. They were captured in early 2025.
Since then they had said they wanted to resettle in South Korea, because they could face persecution if returned to the North.
South Korea had said it would accept them. It legally regards the North as part of its territory and has a policy of accepting and financially supporting North Korean defectors.
Both Sides Leave the Door Open
Seoul’s statement said it “hopes that all outstanding issues between the two countries will be resolved amicably” and that it would continue consultations with Ukraine.
Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it “remains open to resuming constructive dialogue, even if it will take some time”, adding that “diplomacy should prevail over emotions”.
What Is at Stake
South Korea has provided $445 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since 2022. In July, Lee pledged a further $100 million in aid during a meeting with Zelenskyy.
Image: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (left) with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr in Manila, March 2026. Photo by the Presidential Communications Office via Wikimedia Commons, public domain.