South Korea has called for an official apology from Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukrainian forces have been sent to Seoul. The revelation, made during Zelenskyy’s recent speech at the United Nations, has sparked diplomatic tensions between the two countries, with South Korean officials describing the announcement as a serious breach of a confidentiality agreement.

The two North Korean soldiers, identified only as Ri, 27, and Baek, 22, were seized in January of the previous year while fighting alongside Russian forces in the conflict with Ukraine. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Zelenskyy had reportedly agreed on the transfer of the POWs to South Korea under conditions intended to keep the matter confidential, a stipulation that South Korean authorities say Ukraine violated by making the information public without prior consultation.

In response to the disclosure, the South Korean presidential office expressed strong regret over the unilateral announcement and accused Ukraine’s presidential press division of falsely denying the existence of a confidentiality pact. A senior official, Seong Ghi-hong, stated that the disclosure has significantly damaged trust between the two governments and disrupted friendly relations. South Korea is reportedly considering additional measures in response to what it views as "a very serious matter."

Ukrainian officials have sought to downplay the situation. Dmytro Lytvyn, an aide to Zelenskyy, described Ukraine as an “open country” and argued that there was nothing unusual about revealing the transfer of the prisoners. He denied knowingly breaching any agreement.

Observers say the incident could complicate Kyiv’s relations with Seoul, particularly its efforts to secure military aid from South Korea amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Lee Jae-myung’s administration has signaled a shift from the previous hawkish stance of his predecessor, Yoon Suk-yeol, by pursuing a more conciliatory approach toward North Korea, including talks without preconditions. Keeping the transfer confidential may have been intended to avoid provoking further hostility from Pyongyang, which reportedly uses defections as propaganda to bolster its regime narrative.

The controversy emerged shortly after Lee pledged $100 million in support for Ukraine in July. Some members of the South Korean political establishment have begun questioning the country’s assistance to Ukraine, with senior officials urging a reassessment of ongoing support in light of the recent dispute.

The revelation and ensuing fallout illustrate the complexities involved in balancing diplomatic relations with North Korea, supporting Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, and managing sensitive intelligence and security matters between allied states.