South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine following a dispute over the secret transfer of two North Korean POWs, escalating diplomatic tensions. The move comes after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly revealed the transfer, which Seoul claims violated a non-disclosure agreement.
Diplomatic Escalation: Ambassador Recalled
South Korea announced on October 8 that it would recall its ambassador to Ukraine, marking an escalation of a diplomatic dispute over the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. This decision follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s revelation during a UN General Assembly speech on September 23 that the soldiers had been secretly transferred in mid-September. Seoul alleges Ukraine violated a non-disclosure agreement regarding the transfer, while Kyiv denies such an agreement existed.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry stated its intention to continue consultations with Ukraine, expressing hope for an "amicable" resolution to outstanding issues. The ministry did not provide a timeline for Ambassador Park Hee-chang’s return to Kyiv. The recall occurs amidst broader tensions, including Ukraine's accusation that South Korea shipped over 176,000 tonnes of fuel to Russia in July and August, potentially supporting Moscow's war efforts.
Core Dispute Over Prisoner Transfer
South Korea characterized the transfer of the two North Korean soldiers as a highly sensitive intelligence and humanitarian operation, citing concerns for the soldiers’ safety and their families in North Korea. The soldiers, who had fought alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, had expressed a desire to resettle in South Korea. Seoul’s government argued that Zelenskyy’s public disclosure jeopardized national security and endangered the soldiers’ relatives.
Ukraine, however, contends that no confidentiality agreement was in place. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi stated on October 7 that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had not issued an apology, contradicting South Korean reports. Earlier, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had demanded an apology and threatened unspecified punitive measures.
Fuel Shipments to Russia Add to Tensions
Ukraine’s top sanctions official Vladyslav Vlasiuk alleged on October 6 that more than 30% of Russia’s fuel imports in August originated from South Korea, accusing Seoul of undermining international sanctions. South Korea has not directly addressed these fuel shipment claims but has reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanctions against Russia.
Background: North Korea’s Role in the Ukraine War
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, North Korea has become a key ally of Moscow, deploying thousands of troops in exchange for economic and military support. South Korea’s spy agency estimated in 2025 that around 2,000 North Korean troops had been killed, with later assessments suggesting the number could be as high as 6,000 killed or wounded. The two transferred soldiers were among those deployed to support Russia’s war effort.
South Korea has historically accepted North Korean defectors, treating the North as part of its territory and providing resettlement support. The government justified the secret transfer of the soldiers as a humanitarian gesture, although critics suggest the disclosure of their arrival might have been politically motivated.
Diplomatic Fallout and Future Steps
The ambassador's recall signifies the latest escalation in a dispute that has strained bilateral relations. Both countries have expressed a willingness to continue negotiations, but ambiguity surrounding key issues—such as the existence of a non-disclosure agreement and the fuel shipment allegations—hinders resolution. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry expects "various outstanding issues... to be resolved smoothly," though no timeline for the ambassador’s return has been provided.