South Korea is angry with Ukraine over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs), sparking a diplomatic dispute that has caught international observers by surprise. The row centers on conflicting claims about who agreed to what regarding the two men captured while fighting for Russia. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly last week that his country had "sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea." Seoul had long said it would take the men. But rather than celebrate, on Monday South Korea summoned Ukraine's most senior diplomat in Seoul and demanded an apology. Here's a brief guide to what has happened, and why.
Who Are the North Korean POWs and What Happened to Them?
Ukrainian forces captured the two men in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025. They were among thousands of troops Pyongyang sent to fight for Moscow. Both men later said they wanted to go to South Korea, which regards North Koreans as its own citizens. In July, Zelenskyy and South Korea's president, Lee Jae Myung, agreed to resolve the issue while respecting the soldiers' "free will." The captured pair reportedly arrived in South Korea via a third country earlier this month. North Koreans arriving in the South as defectors are usually questioned by the National Intelligence Service before being sent to a state resettlement centre, although sensitive cases can reportedly bypass the centre.
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Why Is Seoul So Angry with Ukraine?
Seoul says Kyiv requested secrecy about the transfer, fearing domestic and international backlash. South Korean officials claim they were blindsided by Zelenskyy's public announcement at the UN, which they say violated an agreement to keep the operation confidential. The public disclosure, according to Seoul, could endanger future defector operations and strain relations with Moscow and Pyongyang. Ukraine, however, insists it acted in good faith and that the transfer was a humanitarian gesture. The conflicting narratives have led to a rare public spat between two countries that have generally been aligned against Russia's invasion.
Key Takeaways from the South Korea-Ukraine Dispute
- Conflicting accounts: South Korea says Ukraine broke a secrecy pact; Ukraine claims it simply announced a done deal.
- Diplomatic fallout: Seoul summoned Ukraine's top diplomat and demanded an apology, signaling deep displeasure.
- Defector sensitivity: The incident could complicate future North Korean defections and intelligence operations.
- Geopolitical tightrope: South Korea balances support for Ukraine with its own security concerns regarding North Korea.
Comparing the Positions: South Korea vs. Ukraine
| Aspect | South Korea's Position | Ukraine's Position |
|---|---|---|
| Transfer agreement | Secrecy was promised; public disclosure violated trust. | Transfer was completed; announcement was factual. |
| Apology demand | Yes, for breaching confidentiality. | No apology offered; insists no wrongdoing. |
| Impact on defectors | Could endanger future operations. | Believes it highlights North Korean involvement in war. |
| Diplomatic relations | Strained; summoned diplomat. | Seeks to maintain partnership against Russia. |
What Happens Next in the South Korea-Ukraine Row?
The diplomatic dispute is unlikely to derail broader cooperation entirely, but it has exposed fault lines. South Korea has been a key supplier of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and has faced pressure to provide lethal weapons. This incident may make Seoul more cautious about publicizing its involvement in sensitive operations. Meanwhile, the two North Korean POWs are now in South Korea, where they will undergo resettlement processing. Their fate—and the diplomatic aftermath—will be closely watched as both countries navigate a complex web of alliances and animosities.
FAQ
Why did South Korea demand an apology from Ukraine?
South Korea claims Ukraine broke a promise to keep the transfer of two North Korean POWs secret. Seoul says the public announcement by President Zelenskyy at the UN endangered future defector operations and violated trust.
What did Ukraine say about the North Korean POWs?
Ukraine confirmed it sent the two men to South Korea, calling it a humanitarian gesture. Kyiv insists it acted in good faith and did not violate any agreement.
What will happen to the North Korean POWs now?
The two men are in South Korea and will likely be questioned by the National Intelligence Service before being sent to a resettlement centre, as is standard for North Korean defectors.
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