Seoul:South Korea is set to recall its ambassador to Ukraine amid a diplomatic disagreement concerning the disclosure of the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to Seoul.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the controversy arose after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed the transfer of two North Korean soldiers to Seoul, a disclosure made during an address to the U.N. General Assembly in New York last month. South Korea has demanded an explanation and apology from Ukraine, as it claims there was an agreement to keep the matter confidential.

The South Korean foreign ministry announced the decision to recall Ambassador Park Ki-chang to Seoul, expressing the hope that issues between the two nations would be resolved smoothly through continued consultations.

The two North Korean soldiers were reportedly captured in January 2025 while fighting for Russia in the Kursk region and arrived in South Korea in mid-September. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun emphasized that the agreement to keep the matter confidential was intended to protect the soldiers and their families, who are still in North Korea.

Last week, a senior South Korean official expressed strong concern to Ukraine's acting ambassador to South Korea, Andrii Vieshkin, regarding Ukraine's denial of the confidentiality agreement and called for an official clarification and apology. Although an apology was reportedly received from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, it did not meet Seoul's expectations, prompting South Korea to consider firm measures.

Despite the dispute, South Korea remains committed to resolving the issue diplomatically while maintaining its relationship with Ukraine.