CNA Explains: Why is South Korea angry with Ukraine over two North Korean POWs?

South Korea has demanded an apology from Ukraine, saying that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy breached a secrecy agreement in revealing that Kyiv had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung (left) and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (right). (Photos: Reuters/Ahn Young-joon, Caitlin Ochs)

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A diplomatic row has erupted between South Korea and Ukraine over the disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukraine were transferred to Seoul.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed to the United Nations General Assembly on Sep 23 that Kyiv had transferred two soldiers to South Korea.

But Seoul accused Ukraine of breaching an understanding between the two countries that the transfer would remain confidential, saying the disclosure was made without sufficient prior consultation.

South Korea has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine and summoned Ukraine’s acting ambassador to protest the disclosure. Kyiv has denied that any confidentiality agreement existed.

Why did South Korea want the transfer kept quiet, and could the dispute affect ties between Seoul and Kyiv?

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