Why is South Korea recalling its ambassador to Ukraine over the North Korean POW transfer?

Seoul decided to recall Ambassador Park Ki-chang after Ukraine publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war despite South Korea’s assertion that the countries had agreed to keep it confidential. Kyiv denied that such an agreement existed, prolonging the diplomatic dispute.

When did the South Korea-Ukraine dispute over the North Korean POWs begin?

The dispute began on Sept. 23, when Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed during a U.N. General Assembly speech in New York that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces had been sent to South Korea. Lee Jae Myung objected publicly the following day.

What actions did South Korea and Ukraine take during the diplomatic dispute over the POW disclosure?

Cheong Wa Dae demanded an explanation and apology on Sept. 27, while Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha later described the dispute as a diplomatic misunderstanding. Lee warned of further measures, and Foreign Minister Cho said Ukraine’s subsequent apology was insufficient before Seoul recalled its ambassador.

Korea to recall ambassador to Ukraine over POW disclosure dispute

Listen

Summary

The South Korean government will recall its ambassador to Ukraine following more than two weeks of diplomatic friction over Kyiv’s disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The dispute began when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer during a U.N. General Assembly speech in New York on Sept. 23. Seoul said Ukraine breached a confidentiality agreement, while Kyiv denied that such an agreement existed. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Ukraine’s apology did not meet Seoul’s expectations.

Key Facts

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it would recall Ambassador Park Ki-chang while continuing consultations with Ukraine to resolve outstanding issues amicably.
President Lee Jae Myung expressed disappointment on X on Sept. 24, saying Ukraine had breached an agreement to keep the transfer confidential.
Cheong Wa Dae demanded an explanation and apology from Kyiv on Sept. 27 after Ukraine denied that a confidentiality agreement existed.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha called the dispute a diplomatic misunderstanding on Oct. 1 and expressed hope for a swift resolution.
Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told lawmakers that an apology from his Ukrainian counterpart fell short of Seoul’s expectations.

By Kim Bo-kyoung

Published Oct 8, 2026 5:33 pm KST
Updated Oct 8, 2026 6:05 pm KST

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addresses a speech during the 81st session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Sept. 23. Yonhap

The government said Thursday it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine — one of the options it had been considering in the wake of a dispute between President Lee Jae Myung and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul.

“The government hopes that all outstanding issues between the two countries will be resolved amicably and will continue consultations with Ukraine to that end,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement announcing its decision to recall Ambassador Park Ki-chang.

The decision came after more than two weeks of diplomatic friction, triggered by Zelenskyy’s public disclosure during a U.N. General Assembly speech in New York on Sept. 23 that two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces had been sent to South Korea.

Lee expressed disappointment on X the following day, saying Ukraine had breached an agreement to keep the transfer confidential.

Kyiv denied that such an agreement existed, prompting Cheong Wa Dae to demand an explanation and apology Sept. 27.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the row as a diplomatic misunderstanding on Oct. 1 and expressed hope for a swift resolution.

Lee responded the following day by warning of further measures if Ukraine continued refusing to acknowledge the confidentiality agreement and offer a public apology.

Foreign Minister Cho Hyun told lawmakers Tuesday that he had received a message containing an apology from his Ukrainian counterpart, but said it fell short of Seoul’s expectations.

He said the government was considering firm measures, including recalling its ambassador.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul could not be reached for comment.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a Cabinet meeting at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, Sept. 29. Yonhap

Explore More