Seoul demands Kyiv apologize for breaching POW secrecy pact — SkimNews
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- South Korea's presidential office demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine on Sept 27, accusing Kyiv of unilaterally disclosing the transfer of two North Korean POWs and then falsely denying a non-disclosure agreement existed.
- Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, said Ukraine's denial 'seriously damaged trust' between the two governments and could harm bilateral relations, with Seoul reviewing additional measures if necessary.
- President Zelensky disclosed the transfer in his UN General Assembly address without sufficient prior consultation, according to Seoul, breaking a confidentiality pact both governments had previously agreed to.
- South Korean President Lee Jae Myung wrote on X that 'it was appropriate in every aspect not to disclose' the transfer and called it 'deeply regrettable' that Ukraine disclosed it despite the agreement.
- The two North Korean soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025 — the first North Korean troops captured alive since Pyongyang entered Russia's war against Ukraine in 2024.
- Seoul had previously declined to confirm the soldiers' arrival, citing safety concerns for the POWs and family members still in North Korea; the soldiers themselves had expressed a desire to go to South Korea.
- The dispute comes as South Korea backs efforts to revive inter-Korean dialogue and Trump has renewed willingness to engage with Pyongyang — raising the stakes of any public disclosure about captured North Korean troops.
Why it matters: Seoul's core complaint is operational, not theatrical: public disclosure could expose the POWs' families in North Korea to retaliation and undermine Seoul's quiet diplomatic posture toward Pyongyang as it tries to revive inter-Korean dialogue. Zelensky's UN speech prioritized transparency over a secrecy pact Seoul says was essential to protect the soldiers and preserve engagement channels.
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