South Korea has formally demanded an apology from Ukraine following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public disclosure of a secret transfer of North Korean prisoners to Kyiv. The revelation, which emerged during Zelenskyy’s address at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, has triggered a sharp diplomatic response from Seoul, which views the matter as a significant breach of protocol and state security.
During his speech at United Nations headquarters on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, President Zelenskyy detailed the operation, confirming that North Korean detainees had been moved to Ukrainian custody. The disclosure was made in front of the international assembly, marking a notable departure from the typical secrecy surrounding such sensitive intelligence and diplomatic exchanges between the two nations.
Seoul’s reaction was immediate and stern. The South Korean government stated that the unilateral publicizing of the prisoner transfer was unacceptable, arguing that such sensitive operations require strict confidentiality to protect the safety of the individuals involved and the integrity of bilateral cooperation. By demanding a formal apology, Seoul signaled its dissatisfaction with how the information was handled and released to the global public.
The incident highlights the complex and often delicate nature of cooperation between Ukraine and South Korea, particularly regarding issues involving the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. While both nations have engaged in various forms of support and dialogue, the public nature of Zelenskyy’s remarks has introduced a new layer of tension into their diplomatic relationship.
Analysts suggest that the demand for an apology underscores the importance Seoul places on managing its international image and its specific strategic interests regarding North Korea. The situation now awaits a response from Kyiv, which may need to balance its transparency with the diplomatic sensitivities of its ally in the region.
<small>Source: Yahoo News — read the original story there.</small>