Controversy Over Ukraine's Disclosure of N. Korean POW Repatriation: Cheong Wa Dae Says It Will 'Respond in Accordance with Principles'

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

Earlier, President Lee commented on President Zelenskyy's remarks, saying, "He disclosed it in violation of a non-disclosure agreement. It is deeply regrettable." A senior Cheong Wa Dae official also pointed out to reporters, "During consultations with Ukraine, there was an understanding that we would handle the process quietly without making it public, but it is true that President Zelenskyy mentioned it in his speech contrary to the previous understanding."

Some media outlets reported, citing local Ukrainian media, that a source from the Ukrainian Presidential Office rebutted South Korea's stance, saying, "Ukraine did not promise to keep it a secret."

In relation to this, when asked by reporters about Cheong Wa Dae's position regarding the Ukrainian source's remarks at a press center set up in Mexico City on the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Mexico, an official from Cheong Wa Dae said, "It does not seem appropriate to respond specifically to every remark by an unnamed source. I will not comment on that."

Instead, the official stated, "Our government's position is to respond in accordance with consistent principles based on the principles stated yesterday (Friday) by a senior Cheong Wa Dae official—namely, the wishes of the individuals concerned, domestic and international legal standards, and humanitarian principles."
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.