Diplomatic crisis between Seoul and Kyiv. It was about prisoners from North Korea

Behind the scenes of the diplomatic dispute

On Thursday, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the recall of its ambassador from Ukraine. This decision was made after President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed during the general debate at the UN General Assembly that Ukraine had handed over two North Korean military personnel to the South Korean authorities.

These soldiers were captured by the Ukrainian military during fighting in Russia's Kursk Oblast in January 2025.

Sharp reactions and mutual accusations

South Korea's president, Li Jae Mjung, immediately accused Ukraine of violating the arrangements to keep the entire matter secret. According to the South Korean leader, disclosing this information without consultation violated the state's dignity and put it in an unfavorable light in the international arena. Kyiv denied the existence of the secrecy clause, which was met with a sharp reaction from Seoul. President Li demanded a public apology, calling Ukraine's actions an attempt to portray him as a "liar."

Following rising tensions, South Korean Deputy Foreign Minister Park Jun Dzu summoned Ukrainian charge d'affaires Andriy Beshkin for a fact-finding interview. Although Ukraine submitted a statement of apology, Seoul considered it insufficient. The head of South Korean diplomacy, Cho Hyun, announced "decisive action" that ultimately led to the ambassador's dismissal.

What's next for Seoul-Kyiv relations?

The Yonhap agency emphasizes that recalling an ambassador is one of the strongest means of protest in international relations. This move could significantly impact further relations between South Korea and Ukraine. However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul expressed hope that the dispute could be resolved amicably and announced continuation of consultations with the Ukrainian side.