Seoul to act further on POW issue unless Kyiv apologises

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 3, 2026

South Korean President Lee Jaemyung has threatened additional actions if Ukraine does not formally apologize for publicly revealing the transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea, a disclosure Seoul says breaches confidentiality agreements. The dispute raises tensions between the two nations amid concerns over protecting the safety of POW families in North Korea and could impact their diplomatic relations moving forward.

South Korean President Lee Jaemyung has warned that Seoul may take additional steps if Ukraine does not issue a formal apology over the public disclosure of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) transferred to South Korea. The remarks come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer at the United Nations last week, a move that South Korea criticized for breaching an agreement on confidentiality.

South Korean officials have stressed that maintaining secrecy about the transfer was essential to safeguarding the relatives of the POWs who remain in North Korea. Following Zelenskyy’s announcement, Seoul demanded an official apology from Kyiv, citing prior consultations that the two sides had undertaken to keep the information private. President Lee conveyed his disappointment, accusing Ukraine of portraying him as dishonest and emphasizing that the issue concerns the dignity of South Korea and its people.

“If Ukraine continues to refuse to acknowledge the facts and publicly apologise, we will take further measures,” Lee stated in a message posted on the social media platform X. He underscored the seriousness with which Seoul views the matter, warning that it will not be overlooked.

In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiiha characterized the situation as a “diplomatic misunderstanding” rather than a deliberate incident. Speaking in an interview published Thursday by RBC-Ukraine and other Ukrainian media outlets, Sybiiha described South Korea as an important partner and expressed hope for ongoing cooperation and tangible achievements in their relationship.

The incident has brought a diplomatic strain between the two countries at a time when collaboration remains pivotal amid the broader geopolitical challenges involving North Korea’s human rights issues and regional security. South Korea’s insistence on confidentiality highlights the sensitive nature of POW repatriations and the potential risks to families still in North Korea, where reprisals are a concern.

The dispute over the disclosure illustrates the delicate balance between transparency in international relations and the need to protect vulnerable individuals. Seoul’s indication of possible further measures suggests that the issue could have wider implications for bilateral ties if unresolved.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.