Cheong Wa Dae: Ukraine Gave Prior Notice on 'North Korean POW Repatriation' ... Stated It Should Not Be Disclosed

Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's public disclosure during his United Nations address that two North Korean prisoners of war were repatriated to South Korea, Cheong Wa Dae stated that Ukraine had given advance notice that there would be a mention regarding the POWs, to which Seoul explained its position that it should not be made public.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official met with reporters on the night of September 24 (local time) at a South Korean press center established in Mexico City on the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Mexico, stating that Seoul "was aware" Ukraine would mention details concerning the prisoners.

However, the official noted, "The message delivered to us was not clear. It was uncertain how it would be phrased (in the speech)," adding, "There was merely word along the lines of 'there seems likely to be a mention regarding those people.'"

The official conveyed that South Korea, in response, explained its position that their repatriation to South Korea must not be disclosed publicly.

This indicates that Ukraine did not clearly communicate its intention to announce the repatriation of the two North Korean soldiers to South Korea and made the announcement unilaterally despite Seoul's objection to public disclosure.

Earlier on September 24 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung also voiced criticism on his social media, stating, "I do not know what circumstances Ukraine faced that led it to disclose this in breach of the non-disclosure agreement, but it is deeply regrettable."

Regarding the overall repatriation process, the senior Cheong Wa Dae official said, "It must be handled in accordance with their free will, domestic and international law, and humanitarian principles, but it must be handled quietly. Only then can it be handled swiftly, smoothly, and safely."

The official pointed out, "However, as some met with those individuals, conducted interviews, and reports were published, the situation became complicated. Movements opposing (the repatriation) also intensified."

"In discussions with Ukraine, there was also an understanding that the process would not be disclosed and would be handled quietly, but it is true that President Zelenskyy mentioned it in his speech contrary to that existing understanding," the official further explained. "That is why President Lee stated it was regrettable."

Amid criticism from conservative opposition parties questioning whether the administration sought to keep the POW repatriation confidential out of concern over North Korea's reaction, the official drew a firm line, saying, "We complied with humanitarian and human rights principles, and there were no other considerations beyond that."

"No country carries out the repatriation of prisoners of war openly. The same applies to North Korean defectors," the official refuted. "There are some viewing the non-disclosure as if there were a hidden motive or an attempt to deceive the public, but that is not true."

The official also remarked, "I believe that making all sorts of speculations or launching attacks over this issue is driven by political motivations."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.