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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 16 sources tracked

Seoul warns of 'further measures' if Kyiv refuses public apology

President Lee Jae-myung demanded a public apology from Ukraine on October 2 after Kyiv revealed it had transferred North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Lee warned of unspecified further measures if the apology is refused, accusing Ukraine of unilateral disclosure and heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The dispute centers on a suspected breach of a confidential agreement regarding the repatriation of the prisoners, whom Ukrainian forces captured early last year after they were deployed to support Russia.

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  • ✓ President Lee Jae-myung warned of further measures if Ukraine does not publicly apologize for revealing the transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea.
  • ✓ The North Korean POWs were captured by Ukrainian forces early last year.
  • ✓ The prisoners were deployed alongside thousands of other North Korean troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine.
  • ✓ South Korea has summoned Ukraine's ambassador.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 16 independent reporting domains (90% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

President Lee Jae-myung formally demanded a public apology and threatened further action on October 2.

Live updates

  1. South Korea warns Ukraine of further measures over North Korean POW disclosure

    President Lee Jae-myung demanded a public apology from Ukraine on October 2 after Kyiv revealed it had transferred North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea. Lee warned of unspecified further measures if the apology is refused, accusing Ukraine of unilateral disclosure and heightening tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The dispute centers on a suspected breach of a confidential agreement regarding the repatriation of the prisoners, whom Ukrainian forces captured early last year after they were deployed to support Russia.

    Why it matters

    The prisoners were part of thousands of North Korean troops sent to aid Russia's war effort. Seoul believes the public disclosure of the transfer puts the families of the prisoners at risk within North Korea.

    What is confirmed

    • President Lee Jae-myung warned of further measures if Ukraine does not publicly apologize for revealing the transfer of North Korean POWs to South Korea.
    • The North Korean POWs were captured by Ukrainian forces early last year.
    • The prisoners were deployed alongside thousands of other North Korean troops to support Russia's war against Ukraine.
    • South Korea has summoned Ukraine's ambassador.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Seoul's anger may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea.
    • The dispute involves an alleged confidential agreement regarding the repatriation of the prisoners.

    What to watch next

    • Ukraine's official response to the demand for a public apology
    • Details on the specific further measures South Korea may take
    • Confirmation of the terms of the alleged confidential repatriation agreement
    Sources used for this update (16)
    1. BBC — Seoul warns 'further action' if Ukraine does not apologise over prisoner-of-war row
    2. reuters.com — South Korea's Lee threatens action against Ukraine over transfer of North Korean soldiers
    3. Al Jazeera — Row between Ukraine, South Korea mounts over North Korean POWs
    4. CNBC — South Korean President Lee warns of 'measures' against Ukraine over prisoner row, demands apology
    5. Euronews.com — Seoul warns of 'further measures' if Kyiv refuses public apology
    6. AP News — Seoul’s anger with Kyiv over POWs may be driven by worries about its ties to North Korea
    7. www.kyivpost.com — South Korea Warns ‘Further Measures’ if Ukraine Refuses ...
    8. www.euronews.com — South Korea warns of 'further measures' if Ukraine refuses public apology over POW transfer disclosure
    9. www.thestar.com.my — South Korea warns 'further measures' if Ukraine refuses public apology | The Star
    10. www.straitstimes.com — South Korea demands Ukraine apology over POW disclosure
    11. news.sbs.co.kr — President Lee Slams Ukraine for "Plotting Outbreak of War on Korean Peninsula," Warns of "Further Measure....
    12. www.ucanews.com — South Korea vows further measures if Ukraine refuses POW apology - UCA News
    confidence 90%
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