South Korea has not ruled out severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine over the dispute concerning the handover of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. Against the backdrop of the conflict, the country has already recalled its ambassador and eight diplomatic staff from Kyiv.
- South Korea anticipates that relations with Ukraine could deteriorate to the point of a possible breakdown.
- Seoul has recalled its ambassador and withdrawn eight diplomatic staff from Ukraine.
- The dispute arose following Zelenskyy’s public statement regarding the handover of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- Seoul claims that the information was meant to remain confidential, whilst Kyiv denies that any such agreement existed.
- The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs is continuing talks with Ukraine and has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the country.
South Korea has recalled eight diplomats from Ukraine
Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun reported that Seoul had already recalled eight staff members from its diplomatic mission in Ukraine. The ambassador had previously been recalled to South Korea Park Ki-chan.
The decision was taken due to an unresolved diplomatic dispute and the threat of Russian air strikes.
During the parliamentary hearing, the minister was asked whether the conflict could lead to a breakdown in diplomatic relations with Kyiv. Cho Hyun replied that such a turn of events was possible should the situation continue to escalate.
At the same time, he emphasised that he is in constant contact with Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Andriy Sybiga, with a view to resolving the dispute as quickly as possible.
The conflict was triggered by Zelenskyy’s statement regarding North Korean prisoners of war
A diplomatic row broke out following a speech by the President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky at the UN General Assembly in September.
At that time, the head of state publicly announced the transfer to South Korea of two North Korean military personnel, captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk Oblast of Russia in January 2025.
According to Seoul, the soldiers were handed over in mid-September. The South Korean side maintains that the countries had agreed in advance not to disclose this information in order to protect the prisoners and their families, who remain in the DPRK.
The Office of the President of Ukraine denied that such an agreement existed. Following this, Seoul demanded official explanations, an apology and assurances that such incidents would not be repeated.
Ukraine and South Korea are continuing their talks
In early October, Cho Hyun confirmed that he had received from Andrey Sibiga a statement of apology; however, its content did not meet the South Korean side’s expectations.
Kyiv, for its part, claimed to have fulfilled all its obligations and attributed the conflict to differing interpretations of the confidentiality terms.
Despite the recall of diplomats, the South Korean embassy continues to operate in Ukraine. Staff necessary to provide consular assistance to South Korean citizens have remained in the country.
Cho Hyun also emphasised that Seoul is not changing its overall stance on supporting Ukraine. South Korea continues to provide humanitarian aid, take part in reconstruction projects and contribute to international efforts to bring the war to an end.
