Seoul demands Ukraine apology over North Korean PoW disclosure

South Korea has formally demanded an apology from Ukraine for disclosing information about the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war, a move that breached an agreement to keep the operation confidential, Seoul officials said on Monday.

The South Korean government had consented to the transfer arrangement on the understanding that details would remain undisclosed, citing multiple concerns including national security, diplomatic relations, and humanitarian considerations. The unauthorized revelation has prompted Seoul to lodge a formal complaint with Ukrainian authorities.

The incident highlights the delicate diplomatic balance surrounding North Korean military personnel abroad. South Korea maintains strict protocols governing the handling of such sensitive matters, which carry implications for inter-Korean relations and broader regional security dynamics.

Ukraine has not immediately responded to the South Korean demand for an apology. The disclosure comes amid broader cooperation between Seoul and Kyiv on defence and security matters related to North Korean military involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The dispute underscores tensions over information management in military and diplomatic operations, particularly when multiple parties are involved in sensitive cross-border arrangements requiring discretion.