(LEAD) Spy agency says Ukraine first requested confidentiality over transfer of N. Korean POWs

South Korea's intelligence agency suspects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy may have divulged the transfer of two North Korean POWs to garner public support in South Korea for supplying arms to Ukraine, according to a lawmaker. The disclosure of the two North Korean soldiers to South Korea last week by Zelenskyy at the United Nations prompted a backlash from South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, who expressed concern over the breach of confidentiality.

Seoul summoned Ukraine's envoy in South Korea to express serious concerns about the disclosure. Lawmakers Yoo Yeong-ha and Youn Kun-young suggested that Zelenskyy may have decided to disclose the transfer to bolster public backing for Ukraine's armament support. The two POWs arrived in South Korea from Ukraine in mid-September, in good health with no major concerns, according to Yoo.

The South Korean and Ukrainian leaders had agreed to handle the matter confidentially for the safety of the individuals involved and their families, though there was no formal agreement on confidentiality, said Yoo. Ukraine captured the two North Korean soldiers among Pyongyang's troops fighting for Russia early last year. One of the soldiers told South Korean media he was conscripted at 17 and served in a reconnaissance unit.

The row may complicate Ukraine's request for armaments support from Seoul, which has not provided lethal weapons to Ukraine due to a domestic ban on militarily aiding countries at war.