Arrived in South Korea Under 'Strict Secrecy,' but Zelenskyy Discloses It to the World

The South Korean government is reportedly struggling to hide its embarrassment after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed during an address at the United Nations General Assembly that two North Korean prisoners of war captured in Ukraine have arrived in South Korea.

After confirming through various channels that the two individuals intended to defect to South Korea, the government had conducted dozens of rounds of behind-the-scenes negotiations with Ukrainian authorities based on its position to accept them.

The matter was also placed on the table during a summit between President Lee Jae-myung and President Zelenskyy in July.

At the time, the two leaders agreed to resolve the issue in a manner that respects the individuals' free will and complies with international law and humanitarian principles.

Following these persistent negotiations, the two POWs were finally able to come to South Korea.

During this process, the Ukrainian side reportedly also asked the South Korean government to maintain strict secrecy.

However, just days after the two prisoners arrived in South Korea, President Zelenskyy disclosed the fact to the entire world.

Even after Zelenskyy's speech, the South Korean government has maintained a cautious stance, stating that it has kept a consistent position that the matter should be resolved in a manner respecting the individuals' free will and adhering to international law and humanitarian principles.

It has chosen a low-key approach, neither officially announcing the arrival of the prisoners in South Korea nor denying it.

The government explained that, as this is a sensitive matter concerning the personal safety of the individuals and their families, it is difficult to confirm whether custody has been processed for each person, when and how they entered the country, or what consultations took place between the two nations during the process.

Previously, in January of last year, when North Korean soldiers were captured in Ukraine, President Zelenskyy was also the first to announce the news via social media.

Having received custody of the North Korean prisoners, the South Korean government is expected to maintain strict confidentiality to prevent details of their resettlement process in South Korea from being exposed, considering their safety.

Representative Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party, who met with them in Ukraine last year, pointed out at a press conference that a critical matter was made public first through the mouth of President Zelenskyy, arguing that the South Korean government should have approached the situation with a more proactive and assertive attitude.

He added that he hopes an opportunity will promptly be arranged for them to speak directly to the South Korean public about the reality of North Korean troops participating in the war in Ukraine, within boundaries that ensure their safety.

Compiled by Jeong Yu-mi | Video by Jeong Yong-hui | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.