Controversy Over Disclosure of North Korean POW Repatriation by Ukraine; Cheong Wa Dae Vows Response 'Based on Principles'

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

Earlier, President Lee commented on President Zelenskyy's remarks, saying, "He went public, violating an agreement to keep it confidential. It is very regrettable." A senior Cheong Wa Dae official also pointed out to reporters, "There was an understanding during consultations with Ukraine to handle the matter quietly without making the process 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 in the Ukrainian presidential office countered by saying, "Ukraine did not promise to keep it a secret."

Regarding this, when an official from Cheong Wa Dae met with reporters at a press center set up in Mexico City on the occasion of President Lee Jae-myung's state visit to Mexico and was asked about Cheong Wa Dae's stance on the Ukrainian source's remarks, the official said, "It does not seem appropriate to respond to the source's remarks one by one in detail. I will not answer regarding that."

Instead, the official stated, "Our government's position is to respond in accordance with consistent principles based on the principles mentioned yesterday by a senior Cheong Wa Dae official—specifically, 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.