Seoul seeks apology after Ukraine 'breached' confidentiality agreement over transfer of North Korean POWs

South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung's office has demanded an apology from Ukraine following the country's disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war from its territory. The dispute has arisen due to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's revelation that Ukraine had handed over the two North Korean soldiers to South Korea.

The disclosure was made public last week, leading to South Korea's President expressing disappointment and disappointment over the breach of a confidentiality agreement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's aide Dmytro Lytvyn tried to downplay the disclosure, stating that it was made public because the president made no secret of the soldiers being handed to South Korea.

Despite the Ukrainian presidential press office's statement that no confidentiality agreement existed, South Korea maintains that it is a serious matter and demands an explanation and apology from Ukraine. The row between the two countries could potentially complicate Ukraine's efforts to obtain weapons from South Korea and other allies to defend against Russian bombardments.

North Korea has been using the soldiers to create a heroic narrative for regime propaganda, and South Korea is concerned that confirming the return of the prisoners and publicizing the disclosure could fuel further hostility towards Seoul.