Why is South Korea so angry with Ukraine over two North Korean prisoners of war?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s mention during a UN speech that Kyiv had sent two prisoners of war to South Korea has spiralled into a most unexpected crisis
TL;DR
- South Korea summoned Ukraine's top diplomat demanding an apology over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war.
- Ukraine's President Zelenskyy announced the transfer during a UN speech, which South Korea claims violated a non-disclosure agreement.
- Ukraine denies any such agreement existed, escalating the diplomatic dispute.
- The two prisoners were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025 and reportedly wished to go to South Korea.
- Seoul views the public announcement as a breach of trust and damaging to bilateral relations.