Seoul’s anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea
South Korean President Lee has threatened unspecified punitive steps against Ukraine if Kyiv does not apologize for revealing a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. While a Ukrainian minister has expressed hope to resolve the misunderstanding, Seoul is demanding a public apology. The diplomatic row centers on the disclosure of the transfer, which South Korea intended to keep confidential.
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- ✓ South Korea's president threatened unspecified punitive steps against Ukraine if it refuses to apologize.
- ✓ The dispute follows the revelation of a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- ✓ President Lee has demanded a public apology from Ukraine.
What changed
President Lee issued a formal threat of punitive measures and demanded a public apology from Kyiv.
Live updates
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South Korea Threatens Ukraine Over North Korean POW Transfer
South Korean President Lee has threatened unspecified punitive steps against Ukraine if Kyiv does not apologize for revealing a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. While a Ukrainian minister has expressed hope to resolve the misunderstanding, Seoul is demanding a public apology. The diplomatic row centers on the disclosure of the transfer, which South Korea intended to keep confidential.
Why it matters
The dispute involves the handling of North Korean soldiers captured during the conflict in Ukraine. South Korea's reaction suggests that the public revelation of the transfer may complicate its sensitive strategic ties with North Korea.
What is confirmed
- South Korea's president threatened unspecified punitive steps against Ukraine if it refuses to apologize.
- The dispute follows the revelation of a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.
- President Lee has demanded a public apology from Ukraine.
Still unconfirmed
- A Ukrainian minister hopes to heal the misunderstanding with South Korea.
- Seoul's anger may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea.
What to watch next
- Whether Ukraine issues a formal public apology
- The nature of the punitive measures South Korea may implement
- Official confirmation of the terms of the POW transfer
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (15)
- theguardian.com — Why is South Korea so angry with Ukraine over two North Korean prisoners of war?
- Reuters — Ukrainian minister hopes to heal 'misunderstanding' with South Korea, media reports
- BBC — Seoul warns 'further action' if Ukraine does not apologise over prisoner-of-war row
- reuters.com — South Korea's Lee threatens action against Ukraine over transfer of North Korean soldiers
- Al Jazeera — Row between Ukraine, South Korea mounts over North Korean POWs
- CNBC — South Korean President Lee warns of 'measures' against Ukraine over prisoner row, demands apology
- Euronews.com — Seoul warns of 'further measures' if Kyiv refuses public apology
- AP News — Seoul’s anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Seoul's anger at Kyiv over POWs may reflect NK concerns
- www.independent.co.uk — Seoul's anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries ...
- www.yahoo.com — Seoul's anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries ...
- ca.news.yahoo.com — Seoul's anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries ...
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