Key facts
- South Korea and Ukraine had an understanding to maintain confidentiality on North Korean POW repatriation.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's public disclosure of the POW repatriation at the UN General Assembly surprised the South Korean Embassy.
- Ukraine has not offered a clear explanation for the disclosure, and internal criticism has arisen within Ukraine.
- South Korea claims Ukraine breached a non-disclosure agreement; Ukraine denies such an agreement existed.
South Korea and Ukraine had an understanding to keep discussions on the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war confidential for as long as possible, a South Korean diplomat said on October 18, 2026. Yoon Ji-wan, charge d'affaires at the South Korean Embassy in Ukraine, stated during a parliamentary audit that the embassy was surprised when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the repatriation during his address to the UN General Assembly on September 23. Yoon added that Ukraine had not provided a specific explanation for the disclosure and that internal criticism within Ukraine had emerged regarding the breach of confidentiality. The diplomatic row has led to strained relations, with South Korea accusing Kyiv of breaching a non-disclosure agreement, while Ukraine denies such a pact existed. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha recently stated the matter was closed, rejecting South Korea's demand for an apology. South Korea subsequently recalled its ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chang.