S. Korea again highlights humanitarian handling of NK POWs

Cheong Wa Dae has reiterated the necessity of adhering to international law and humanitarian principles when managing North Korean prisoners of war (POWs), following Ukraine's revelation of transferring two North Korean soldiers, captured by Ukraine during the war with Russia, to South Korea. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made this disclosure during his recent address to the United Nations.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, through his office, has since declared that Ukraine violated a confidentiality agreement to conceal the transfer, aiming to protect the soldiers from potential harm that could arise if the news were to be disclosed. This action was rooted in respect for international law and humanitarian considerations.

Subsequently, Ukrainian media outlets were said to have quoted an unnamed Ukrainian presidential source as denying the existence of such an agreement with South Korea. During a press conference in Mexico City, where Lee is currently on a state visit, a South Korean presidential official reiterated the same stance.