Key facts
- South Korea's presidential office stressed applying international law and humanitarian principles to North Korean POWs.
- Ukraine transferred two North Korean soldiers captured during the war with Russia to South Korea.
- South Korea claims Ukraine breached a non-disclosure agreement regarding the transfer of the POWs.
- A South Korean presidential official declined to comment on Ukraine's reported denial of the non-disclosure deal.
- The official stated South Korea's government will respond consistently, considering POWs' wishes, and international and humanitarian law.
South Korea's presidential office has reiterated its stance on applying international law and humanitarian principles in handling North Korean prisoners of war. This comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean soldiers, captured last year during the war with Russia, to South Korea.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his office have stated that Ukraine breached a non-disclosure agreement intended to protect the soldiers from potential dangers if their transfer were revealed. However, Ukrainian media outlets have reportedly quoted a Ukrainian presidential source denying the existence of such a confidentiality agreement with South Korea.
During a press conference in Mexico City, where President Lee is on a state visit, a South Korean presidential official declined to comment on Ukraine's reported denial. The official stated that it would be inappropriate to react to every comment from a source, but affirmed that "It is our government's stance to respond to (the matter) with consistency in consideration of (the POWs') wishes, our and international law and humanitarian principles."
Earlier, South Korea and Mexico adopted a joint action plan for 2026-2030 to enhance cooperation in areas including artificial intelligence, defense, crude oil, and natural resources. President Lee had also previously urged Mexico to resume free trade agreement talks to bolster economic ties.