[Anchor]

President Lee Jae-myung has expressed strong regret toward Ukraine for disclosing the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, stating that it has turned the head of state of a counterpart country into a "liar." He warned that actions would be taken if Ukraine does not apologize, and it is understood that recalling the South Korean ambassador to Ukraine is under consideration.

Reporter Park Ye-rin reports.

[Reporter]

This is a post President Lee Jae-myung published on social media yesterday (October 2) morning, alongside a news article reporting on the Ukrainian foreign minister's remarks describing the disclosure of the North Korean soldiers' repatriation to South Korea as a "diplomatic misunderstanding."

President Lee took direct aim, saying, "The Ukrainian side requested non-disclosure regarding the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war and an agreement was reached, yet they disclosed it unilaterally," adding, "When the President of the Republic of Korea expressed regret with the utmost courtesy, they made the counterpart head of state into a liar by claiming there was no agreement."

He went on to point out, "When asked to acknowledge the agreement and apologize, they instead went so far as to talk about the imminent outbreak of a military clash between the two Koreas."

On September 27, the chief of staff of the Ukrainian Presidential Office claimed in an interview with foreign media that the reason for North Korea's participation in the war in Ukraine was "to prepare for combat in its own territory." Apparently mindful of such remarks, President Lee also stated, "I express grave regret toward Ukraine, which seeks to incite the outbreak of war on the Korean Peninsula."

President Lee emphasized, "If they continue to refuse to acknowledge the non-disclosure agreement and make a public apology, we will proceed with additional measures," adding, "This is a matter concerning the dignity of the people and the nation that cannot be overlooked."

Following Cheong Wa Dae's statement on September 27, President Lee once again expressed strong regret through social media yesterday, and South Korea is expected to decide on additional measures, including recalling its ambassador to Ukraine, after observing Ukraine's response.

The People Power Party criticized the administration for "selective anger," asking, "Is this a more serious issue than North Korea, which blew off our soldiers' ankles by planting landmines?"

(Video by Jeong Sang-bo, Lim Woo-sik, Ha Ryung | Video Editing by Oh Young-taek | Design by Kang Yoon-jung)