The diplomatic friction between South Korea and Ukraine, triggered by the breach of a confidential agreement regarding the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea, shows no signs of easily subsiding.

The South Korean government announced on October 8 its plan to recall Park Ki-chang, South Korean Ambassador to Ukraine.

This comes 10 days after summoning the Ukrainian Ambassador to South Korea to lodge a protest.

However, the Ukrainian government reportedly continues to show a difference in stance and maintains alternative claims regarding the existence of the confidential agreement.

According to local media, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said at a briefing the previous day that the cause of the two countries publicly exchanging criticisms lies in a "difference in interpretation regarding the method of maintaining confidentiality."

This is a repetition of their previous stance that publicizing only the fact that North Korean POWs were sent to South Korea—rather than the specific agreement process or transfer methods—did not constitute a violation of the agreement.

Regarding Foreign Minister Cho Hyun's remarks that an apology message was conveyed through diplomatic channels, Tykhyi responded by saying, "We expressed regret that the situation has reached the stage of exchanging critical remarks."

This is interpreted as emphasizing a principled stance of "expressing regret" without confirming or denying whether an apology was made.

This appears to be the reason why Minister Cho explained during a parliamentary audit on October 6 that the Ukrainian side had apologized, but it fell short of the South Korean government's expectations.

Spokesperson Tykhyi also stated, "The situation has reached the stage of exchanging public remarks, which is not necessary for anyone," adding that "diplomatic efforts are underway through private channels to resolve the situation."

He added, "Remarks that could hinder a diplomatic resolution are inappropriate."

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on this day, "We hope that all pending issues between the two countries will be resolved smoothly and will continue consultations with the Ukrainian side toward that end."

(Photo: Getty Images)