South Korea warns of 'further measures' if Ukraine refuses public apology over POW disclosure
President Lee Jae Myung demanded Ukraine publicly apologise over its disclosure of two North Korean POWs transferred to Seoul, warning of "further measures" otherwise.
SEOUL — Lee Jae Myung said on Oct 2 Seoul would take “further measures” unless Ukraine publicly apologises over what he called its unilateral disclosure of North Korean POWs to South Korea.
The two soldiers were captured fighting for Russia early in 2025 with thousands of North Korean troops, in exchange for economic and military aid to Pyongyang. Zelensky disclosed the transfer last week at the UN, dismaying Lee — Seoul says both sides had a “clear understanding” to keep it confidential, as North Korea retaliates against defectors’ families and South Korean media had photographed both POWs before arrival, making them identifiable.
“If Ukraine continues to refuse to acknowledge the facts and publicly apologise, we will take further measures,” Lee said, accusing Kyiv of making him out to be a “liar”.
“This is a matter concerning the dignity of the Republic of Korea and its people and cannot be overlooked,” he posted on X.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told RBC-Ukraine on Oct 1 he would “not like to call it an incident”, calling it a “diplomatic misunderstanding”: “South Korea is an important country for us. And I very much hope for momentum, continued cooperation, and concrete results.”
Seoul’s spy agency said, via a lawmaker on Sept 30, Zelensky may have disclosed the transfer to boost domestic support for arming Ukraine. Myongji University analyst Shin Yul told AFP the stance “could prove problematic”, warning the contrast with Seoul’s caution over the North Korean landmine incident “could leave the public deeply dissatisfied”.
Sources: Straits Times / AFP; Malay Mail / AFP; UCA News / AFP
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