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The expert explained why South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine

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South Korea is recalling its ambassador from Ukraine, which expert Konstantin Asmolov considers an attempt by President Lee Jae-myung to solve internal problems through a foreign policy gesture, calling such a step an overreaction to Kyiv’s actions and a possible sign of a hidden agenda.

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Why It Matters

South Korea previously maintained diplomatic relations with Ukraine at the embassy level. The recall of the ambassador is a rare step, which, according to the expert, Seoul has rarely used even in disputes with Japan.

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Brief retelling from RIA II

South Korea recalls its ambassador to Ukraine.

According to expert Konstantin Asmolov, this step may be an attempt by South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung to solve internal political problems.

The expert believes that the recall of the ambassador is an excessive reaction of Seoul to the actions of Kyiv and may hide a secret motive behind it.

MOSCOW, October 8 - RIA Novosti. South Korea's recall of its ambassador to Ukraine may be related to South Korean leader Lee Jae-myung's attempt to solve domestic political problems through foreign policy gestures, says Konstantin Asmolov, candidate of historical sciences, leading researcher at the Center for Korean Studies at the Institute of China and Modern Asia (ICCA) of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Earlier, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea reported that South Korea was recalling its ambassador to Ukraine.

“Given Lee Jae-myung’s populism, demonstrating that ‘we are proud, independent and simply cannot tolerate insults’ is also a gesture,” Asmolov told Lente.ru.

The expert believes that the recall of the ambassador is an excessive reaction of Seoul to the actions of Kyiv and may hide a secret motive behind it. Asmolov recalled that South Korea, even during disagreements with Japan over disputed territories or historical issues, rarely resorted to such gestures.

What to Watch

AI outlook — possibilities, not facts

South Korea may return its ambassador to Ukraine in a few weeks after the internal situation stabilizes
Possible · Within weeks

Open Questions

What kind of domestic political problems is Lee Jae-myung trying to solve with this step?
Is there evidence of a secret motive behind the ambassador's recall?
How will Ukraine react to the recall of the South Korean ambassador?