President Lee's diplomatic naivety

President Lee Jae Myung's escalating response to Ukraine's disclosure of North Korean prisoners of war risks transforming a minor diplomatic issue into an unwarranted conflict. By insisting that Kyiv acknowledge a confidential agreement, apologize for breaching it, and face additional measures if it refuses, the South Korean leader may be attempting to bolster national pride.

However, diplomacy is not meant to appease wounded egos. Its purpose is to safeguard national interests. Ukraine was not legally bound to return the North Korean POWs to South Korea. Despite this, the country honored the wishes of the prisoners who desired to relocate to the South and assisted in their transfer. The disclosure of their identities certainly calls for further explanation.

If Ukraine had explicitly asked for confidentiality and then violated that trust, Seoul is entitled to request an explanation and an apology. However, the distinction between seeking accountability through diplomatic channels and publicly escalating tensions is significant.