South Korea to recall Ukraine ambassador over POW disclosure row

· Politics · South Korea · Ukraine

South Korea said it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine amid a deepening row over Kyiv's disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war were transferred to Seoul. The Foreign Ministry called the move an unusually strong diplomatic step. Seoul had demanded but not received an apology, according to reports. The dispute has strained ties between the two countries, which had cooperated on issues related to North Korea's involvement in the war. Ukraine's president disclosed the transfer at the UN in September.

Why it matters：The recall marks a rare public rift between two partners aligned with the US, complicating coordination on North Korean prisoners and wartime diplomacy.

Key points

  • South Korea will recall its ambassador to Ukraine.
  • The row stems from Kyiv's disclosure of transferring North Korean POWs.
  • Seoul said it demanded but did not receive an apology.

Sources (original reporting)

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