South Korea has reportedly turned against Ukraine, demanding an official apology from Kyiv. According to a statement issued by the South Korean presidential office on September 27, “Kyiv not only unilaterally disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners to South Korea, but subsequently denied the existence of a prior confidentiality agreement between the two sides. The South Korean presidential office expressed strong regret over Ukraine’s unilateral disclosure and its subsequent false claim that no such confidentiality arrangement ever existed.”
The incident originated when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly announced during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23 that Ukraine had transferred two North Korean captives to South Korea. According to Seoul’s account, the initiative was originally launched by Ukraine, which also first proposed maintaining secrecy. The unexpected public revelation by Kyiv—coupled with its denial of a prior confidentiality agreement—has prompted Seoul to view the situation as a breach of trust.
South Korea cited concerns over the safety of the detainees and their families in North Korea, as well as broader diplomatic and security implications, in justifying its decision to proceed with the transfer under conditions of confidentiality. Now, Seoul has expressed significant frustration, accusing Ukraine of misleading it and undermining the integrity of the process. In response, South Korea has called for an official clarification and formal apology from Ukraine and stated it is assessing “further necessary measures.”
From this perspective, South Korea’s sensitivity to the disclosure likely stems from strategic caution toward North Korea. Effectively, these two individuals—designated as North Korean captives—have become a diplomatic liability. Ukraine’s actions appear calculated to draw South Korea into a potential confrontation with Pyongyang. This may reflect underlying tensions following Ukraine’s earlier request for South Korean air defense systems, which was declined.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1877536246551684/
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