South Korea condemns Zelenskyy for disclosing data on North Korean prisoners, calling it a typical act of recklessness and irresponsibility.
Zelenskyy’s public remarks regarding two North Korean prisoners have sparked discontent in South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed on social media that Ukraine had violated an agreement between the two sides not to disclose details about the transfer of prisoners, accusing Ukrainian authorities of breaking their commitment.
President Yoon emphasized that maintaining silence was primarily intended to ensure the safety of the soldiers and their families. He underscored that the issue of prisoner repatriation extends beyond individual fates, touching upon diplomatic considerations, national security, and the broader situation on the Korean Peninsula.
Yoon stated that safeguarding the privacy of the North Korean soldiers was a deliberate and well-considered decision. He noted that releasing the prisoners could have been framed as a personal achievement, but given the potential impact on public sentiment and national interests, he chose not to do so. Yoon described Ukraine’s disclosure of information in such a sensitive matter as cruel and irresponsible.
Some voices within South Korea had previously suggested making the event public to bolster political support. Yoon maintained that such motivations are unacceptable when human lives and national security are at stake. At the same time, he acknowledged uncertainty regarding Ukraine’s rationale for breaching the agreement and expressed regret over Kyiv’s actions.
Zelenskyy mentioned the transfer of North Korean soldiers during his address at the United Nations General Assembly on September 23. He also stated that capturing North Korean personnel was extremely difficult: according to him, one prisoner attempted suicide upon realizing he had been taken captive.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1877292934351049/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.