The South Korean government has demanded an official explanation and apology from Ukraine for publicly disclosing the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to South Korea.

First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Park Yoon-joo summoned Andrii Vieshkin, Ukraine's chargé d'affaires to South Korea, to the foreign ministry on the afternoon of Monday (September 28) to convey the South Korean government's stern position regarding the repatriation of North Korean POWs, the ministry said.

Vice Minister Park expressed deep regret, pointing out that despite a clear bilateral non-disclosure agreement between South Korea and Ukraine regarding the repatriation of the North Korean POWs, the Ukrainian side unilaterally disclosed their transfer to South Korea at the United Nations General Assembly without sufficient prior explanation or concrete consultations.

In particular, regarding the subsequent announcement by the press office of Ukraine's presidential office claiming that no non-disclosure agreement existed, the South Korean government defined it as "false publicity" and "untrue statements," pointing out that it is "an act that seriously undermines trust between the two governments and hinders friendly bilateral relations."

Vice Minister Park demanded an official explanation and apology at the Ukrainian government level and urged measures to prevent a recurrence.

Chargé d'Affaires Vieshkin listened closely to the South Korean government's position and stated that he would report it accurately to his home government.

Earlier, President Lee Jae-myung expressed regret on September 24, stating that Ukraine breached the non-disclosure agreement by revealing the repatriation of the POWs. Cheong Wa Dae also expressed strong regret yesterday (September 27) over Ukraine's disclosure and public statements, demanding an official explanation and apology while stating that it is "reviewing additional necessary measures."

Accordingly, the summons of the Ukrainian chargé d'affaires on Monday is interpreted as one of the follow-up measures previously foreshadowed by the government.

The South Korean government, however, maintains the position that this matter is separate from humanitarian aid to Ukraine and cooperation on post-war reconstruction.