Cheong Wa Dae to Ukraine: "POW Repatriation Non-Disclosure Agreement Breached... Explanation Demanded"

Cheong Wa Dae said yesterday (September 27) that it "demands an official explanation and apology" after Ukraine claimed that "there was no non-disclosure agreement" regarding the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to South Korea.

Sung Ki-hong, Senior Secretary to the President for Public Communication, issued a statement late last night, stating, "We express strong regret over the Ukrainian government's unilateral disclosure in violation of the agreement and its false press release claiming that there was no non-disclosure agreement," adding, "We are also reviewing additional necessary measures regarding this matter."

Senior Secretary Sung continued, "While it is a very serious issue that the Ukrainian side breached the non-disclosure agreement between the two countries and disclosed it unilaterally without prior consultation, let alone notification, the announcement of false information by the press office of the Ukrainian presidential office claiming there was no non-disclosure agreement—in response to our president's justified public remarks based on facts—is an act that severely undermines trust between the two governments and causes profound disruption to the friendly relations between the two countries."
Sung also emphasized, "During the consultation process, the Ukrainian government requested confidentiality, saying, 'Since this is a very sensitive issue that could trigger domestic public criticism that repatriation to South Korea means forfeiting opportunities to exchange for multiple Ukrainian prisoners, let us keep the repatriation to South Korea confidential,'" adding, "Our side also agreed to keep it confidential in consideration of multiple aspects, including the safety of the prisoners and their families as well as diplomatic and national security concerns, and proceeded with the repatriation process."

In addition, Sung expressed regret, stating, "When President Lee expressed disappointment over the Ukrainian government's disclosure contrary to the non-disclosure agreement, this time the Ukrainian presidential office announced, contrary to facts and without consultation, understanding, or even prior notice, that they 'never agreed to non-disclosure.'

As a result, controversy has even arisen domestically over whether the president lied."

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