S. Korea says in communication with Ukraine over NK POW transfer disclosure

South Korea is engaged in diplomatic discussions with Ukraine regarding Kyiv's unilateral disclosure of the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul, according to a statement from the country's foreign ministry on Thursday. This disclosure prompted South Korea to seek an official explanation and apology, as well as a statement from the Ukrainian presidential office, which denied that an agreement had been made to keep the matter confidential.

South Korea has conveyed its position to Ukraine, indicating that both countries are currently engaged in communication on the matter, according to a ministry official. The official emphasized that Ukraine is aware of the sensitivity surrounding this issue and expects the Ukrainian side to respond accordingly, given the historical relationship between the two nations.

However, the official clarified that Ukraine has not yet issued an official response, expressing caution against making assumptions about the timing or manner of such a statement.

The two North Korean soldiers were captured in January 2025 while serving with Russian forces in the Kursk region.