South Korea Demands Apology After Ukraine Discloses Transfer of North Korean POWs

On September 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Russia’s Kursk region in January 2025 to the Republic of Korea. South Korea’s presidential office responded on September 27, demanding an explanation and apology, saying Kyiv breached a confidentiality agreement and then denied its existence.

The Straits TimesSouth Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer despite confidentiality agreement Kyiv IndependentSeoul Says Zelensky Broke Secrecy Deal on North Korean POW Transfer ReutersSouth Korea says Ukraine gave prior notice of Zelensky's North Korean POW disclosure at UN, but not specifics

North Korean troops have fought alongside Russian forces since 2024. The two soldiers were the first North Korean combatants captured alive in the conflict. Seoul and Kyiv discussed the possible transfer through diplomatic channels, with Ukrainian officials requesting secrecy to avoid domestic criticism and preserve exchange negotiations. South Korean policy treats North Korean defectors as its citizens, prompting a quiet humanitarian approach to repatriation.

Kyiv IndependentSouth Korea says Ukraine gave prior notice of Zelensky's North Korean POW disclosure at UN, but not specifics Seoul Says Zelensky Broke Secrecy Deal on North Korean POW Transfer ABC News AustraliaZelenskyy Says Two North Korean POWs Sent to South Korea; Seoul Virtually Confirms Al Jazeera (website)

• Two North Korean soldiers captured in the Kursk region in January 2025.

ABC News Australia

• They are the only known North Korean combatants captured alive since Pyongyang entered the war.

Seoul Says Zelensky Broke Secrecy Deal on North Korean POW Transfer

• Seong Ghi-hong, senior presidential secretary for public relations, said on September 27 the disclosure showed “strong regret” and violated a non-disclosure agreement.

South China Morning Post

• President Lee Jae Myung posted on X that the disclosure was “deeply regrettable” and breached confidentiality.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's surprise disclosure of the repatriation of two North Korean. .

• Dmytro Lytvyn, adviser to Zelenskyy, told reporters no confidentiality agreement existed.

Zelenskyy Aide Denies Secret Deal on North Korean POW Transfer

• Oksana Torop, media adviser to Ukrainian Ambassador Valerii Zaluzhnyi, claimed a confidential agreement had been in place and called the announcement a “show.”

Zelensky's disclosure of North Korean POW transfer sparks dispute in Ukraine

• A senior official from Cheong Wa Dae said the government would respond “in line with consistent principles” respecting the wishes of the individuals and humanitarian standards.

Cheong Wa Dae says transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea consistent with international law

Ukrainian officials argue South Korea’s claim of a secrecy pact is unfounded, asserting Ukraine’s right to disclose the fate of captured soldiers. Media adviser Oksana Torop accused Zelenskyy of violating a confidential arrangement.

Seoul Stands by Quiet Handling of North Korean POW Transfer

South Korean sources maintain a bilateral confidentiality agreement was reached, citing Ukrainian requests for secrecy. Ukrainian representatives deny any such agreement. The exact terms and timeline of the prisoners’ transfer remain undisclosed.

South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over disclosure of North Korean POW transfer despite confidentiality agreement

• “The presidential office expresses strong regret over Ukraine’s unilateral disclosure and its subsequent false announcement that there had not been a non-disclosure agreement,” — Seong Ghi-hong

The Straits Times

• “There was no such (confidential) agreement. That is not true,” — Dmytro Lytvyn

Zelensky's disclosure of North Korean POW transfer sparks dispute in Ukraine

• “The problem is that there was a confidential agreement between the two countries,” — Oksana Torop

Zelensky's disclosure of North Korean POW transfer sparks dispute in Ukraine

• “Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea.” — President Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy Says Two North Korean POWs Sent to South Korea; Seoul Virtually Confirms

South Korea said it is reviewing “additional measures,” and a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement is scheduled for September 24 to outline further actions. No further diplomatic steps have been announced.

Ukraine's presidential office says transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea came from direct talks with Seoul