Seoul:South Korea's ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chang, has been called back to Seoul by President Lee Jae Myung following Ukraine's disclosure that two North Korean prisoners of war, captured in 2025, are now in South Korea.

According to Yonhap News Agency, recalling an ambassador is one of the most significant diplomatic actions a country can take. The last instance of such a recall by South Korea was in 2008, concerning the Dokdo islet issue with Japan. The current situation has strained the cooperative relationship between South Korea and Ukraine, particularly in light of Ukraine's ongoing war following Russia's invasion.

The tension arose after Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced at the United Nations that the North Korean POWs had been transferred to South Korea, a revelation that took Seoul by surprise. Ukraine later denied any agreement to keep this information confidential, which was intended to protect the POWs and their families in North Korea. Despite apologies from Ukraine, the diplomatic rift has grown.

Zelenskyy has been seeking international support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, predicting an increase in North Korean support for Russia's war efforts. However, the disclosure of the North Korean POWs is particularly sensitive, given North Korea's constitutional change categorizing South Korea as a hostile nation.

Both South Korea and Ukraine have expressed a willingness to continue dialogue. Seoul, while announcing the ambassador's recall, stated its intention to continue consultations with Ukraine. Ukraine's foreign ministry emphasized the importance of diplomacy over emotions and invited the South Korean ambassador to discuss the situation.

President Lee is considering keeping the ambassador in Seoul until Ukraine addresses South Korea's concerns. Meanwhile, South Korea remains committed to international law and conflict de-escalation, having provided humanitarian aid, reconstruction support, and announced $100 million in further assistance to Ukraine. Ukraine, despite its challenges, is crucial to European security.

South Korea's involvement in Ukraine's reconstruction aligns with its broader foreign policy goals, while Ukraine must show good faith in its international dealings. Both nations need to resolve the current confusion to restore trust and transparency, paving the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation.