Seoul:The South Korean foreign ministry summoned Andrii Vieshkin, the acting ambassador of Ukraine, after Ukraine disclosed it had transferred two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo communicated South Korea's firm position on the matter to Ambassador Vieshkin. The controversy arose following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's announcement at the United Nations that the North Korean soldiers, captured last year, were sent to Seoul. This revelation reportedly violated a nondisclosure agreement, which was intended to ensure the soldiers' safety by keeping the transfer confidential, in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles.

Ukrainian media later quoted a presidential source denying the existence of such a confidentiality agreement with South Korea. This denial prompted Park to express significant concerns about the impact on the mutual trust and relationship between the two countries.

The South Korean foreign ministry has demanded an official clarification and apology from Ukraine. In response, the Ukrainian envoy assured that he would accurately report Seoul's position to Kyiv. Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea's presidential office, also expressed "strong regret" over Ukraine's actions.