South Korea will withdraw additional embassy personnel from Ukraine amid a diplomatic dispute over the disclosure of two captured North Korean soldiers transferred to Seoul, with the disagreement raising questions about trust between the two countries.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the decision followed Kyiv’s failure to provide a “constructive response” to Seoul’s concerns. The ministry did not specify how many additional personnel would leave.
Seoul recalled its ambassador earlier this month after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea.
South Korea said the disclosure violated an understanding that the transfer would remain confidential to protect the soldiers and their families in North Korea.
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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon said Seoul had communicated its position to Ukraine through multiple channels but had not received an adequate response.
“This measure was taken because we judged it necessary to facilitate an amicable resolution of the issue and restore trust between the two countries,” Park said during a regular press briefing.
A chargé d’affaires will remain in Kyiv to maintain diplomatic communications, alongside consular staff responsible for protecting South Korean nationals. Park also cited persistent threats from Russian air strikes as a factor complicating the safety of diplomatic personnel.
Why Are the North Korean Prisoners at the Centre of the Dispute?
The disagreement centres on the handling of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces during the war with Russia.
North Korea has supported Russia’s war effort, including by deploying troops to assist Moscow’s forces. The capture of North Korean personnel has consequently created a sensitive diplomatic issue involving Kyiv, Seoul and Pyongyang.
South Korea’s objection concerns the public disclosure of the soldiers’ transfer. Seoul maintains that confidentiality was important for safeguarding the prisoners and their families, given the potential consequences of their capture and possible decisions about their future.
Zelenskyy’s announcement at the United Nations brought the arrangement into the public domain, prompting Seoul to recall its ambassador and seek clarification from Kyiv.
The dispute illustrates the sensitivity surrounding captured North Korean personnel, particularly as South Korea has an interest in their treatment and potential future resettlement.
Ukraine Says the Matter Is Closed
Ukraine has indicated that it does not share South Korea’s assessment of the dispute.
Last week, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha told the RBC-Ukraine news outlet that Kyiv considered the matter closed. He attributed the disagreement to differing interpretations of the confidentiality arrangements and maintained that Ukraine had fulfilled its obligations.
The contrasting positions suggest that the two governments have yet to reach a mutually acceptable understanding of what was agreed and whether the disclosure breached those arrangements.
South Korea’s decision to reduce its diplomatic presence signals continued dissatisfaction with Ukraine’s handling of the issue, although Seoul has said that diplomatic and consular channels will remain open.
What Does This Mean for South Korea-Ukraine Relations?
The withdrawals add strain to relations between Seoul and Kyiv at a time when North Korea’s involvement in the war has wider implications for European and Indo-Pacific security.
South Korea has closely monitored North Korea’s military cooperation with Russia, which has heightened concerns about the exchange of military technology, battlefield experience and other forms of assistance between Pyongyang and Moscow.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has an interest in maintaining communication with South Korea as it confronts Russian forces and seeks international support.
The decision to retain a chargé d’affaires and consular personnel indicates that Seoul is not severing diplomatic ties. Instead, the move appears intended to express displeasure while preserving essential communication and assistance for South Korean citizens.
The immediate challenge for both governments will be to resolve their disagreement over confidentiality and restore confidence in their diplomatic relationship. Until that happens, the dispute risks complicating cooperation on broader security issues linked to North Korea’s growing role in the war.
With information from Reuters.
