[Anchor]
President Lee Jae-myung strongly criticized Ukraine for disclosing the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, saying it "made the counterpart country's head of state into a liar." Warning of further measures if Ukraine does not apologize, Seoul is reportedly considering recalling its ambassador to Ukraine.
Park Yerim reports.
[Reporter]
This is a message President Lee Jae-myung posted on social media this morning (October 2), along with a news article reporting the Ukrainian foreign minister's remarks that the disclosure process of the North Korean soldiers' repatriation to South Korea was a "diplomatic misunderstanding."
President Lee directly criticized, saying, "The Ukrainian side requested that the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war be kept confidential, and we agreed, but they disclosed it unilaterally." He added, "When the President of the Republic of Korea politely expressed regret, they made the counterpart country's head of state into a liar by claiming there had been no agreement."
He also pointed out, "When told to acknowledge the agreement and apologize, they instead went so far as to talk about an imminent military clash between the two Koreas."
On September 27, the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine claimed in an interview with foreign media that the reason for North Korea's participation in the war in Ukraine was "to prepare for combat in its own territory." Seemingly mindful of such remarks, President Lee also stated, "I express deep regret to Ukraine, which plots the outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsula."
President Lee emphasized, "If they continue to refuse to acknowledge the confidential agreement and make a public apology, we will take further action," adding, "As a matter concerning the dignity of the people and the nation, this cannot be overlooked."
Following Cheong Wa Dae's statement on September 27, President Lee repeatedly expressed strong regret via social media today, and South Korea is expected to decide on additional measures, including recalling its ambassador to Ukraine, after observing Ukraine's response.
The People Power Party criticized it as "selective outrage," asking, "Is this a more critical issue than North Korea planting landmines and blowing off the ankles of our troops?"
(Video by Jung Sang-bo, Lim Woo-sik, Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Oh Young-taek | Graphics by Kang Yoon-jung)
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