Controversy Over Ukraine's Disclosure of North Korean POW Repatriation; Cheong Wa Dae Says It Will 'Respond According to Principles'

▲ Cheong Wa Dae

Amid continuing controversy following the South Korean government's criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for publicly disclosing the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to South Korea, Cheong Wa Dae stated that "our government's position is to respond in accordance with consistent principles."

Earlier, President Lee commented on President Zelenskyy's remarks, stating, "He disclosed it in breach of a non-disclosure agreement. It is very regrettable." A senior Cheong Wa Dae official also pointed out to reporters, "During consultations with Ukraine, there was an understanding that the process would not be made public and would be handled quietly, but it is true that President Zelenskyy mentioned it in his address contrary to the existing understanding."

Some media outlets reported, citing local Ukrainian media, that a source in the Ukrainian presidential office countered, "Ukraine never promised to keep it secret."

In connection with this, a Cheong Wa Dae official met with reporters at a press center established in Mexico City on the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Mexico. When asked about Cheong Wa Dae's position regarding the Ukrainian source's remarks, the official said, "It does not seem appropriate to respond specifically to every single remark made by a source. I will not provide an answer to that."

Instead, the official stated, "Our government's position is to respond according to consistent principles, based on the principles stated yesterday by a senior Cheong Wa Dae official—namely, the wishes of the individuals concerned, domestic and international legal standards, and humanitarian principles."

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