South Korea admits to severing diplomatic relations with Ukraine: what caused the diplomatic scandal

Relations between Ukraine and South Korea are under threat of serious diplomatic escalation. Seoul does not rule out the possibility of severing diplomatic relations with Kyiv due to the dispute over the disclosure of information about the transfer of two prisoners of war from North Korea. Amid the conflict, the South Korean ambassador has been in his homeland for three weeks, and the number of diplomatic staff at the embassy in Ukraine has been reduced.

This was reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.

South Korea does not rule out the severance of diplomatic relations

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyeon stated during a parliamentary audit on October 27 that further deterioration of relations with Ukraine could lead to serious diplomatic consequences.

In particular, the deputies asked whether the dispute between the states was approaching a possible severance of diplomatic relations.

In response, the head of the South Korean Foreign Ministry admitted that such a scenario cannot be ruled out if tensions continue to grow.

At the same time, a decision to terminate diplomatic relations has not yet been made.

Representatives of the South Korean Foreign Ministry emphasize that contacts with the Ukrainian side are ongoing.

Both countries, according to a representative of the South Korean Foreign Ministry, are aware of the need to resolve the conflict.

However, the specific terms for reaching agreements remain unknown.

What caused the conflict between Kyiv and Seoul

The reason for the diplomatic escalation was the public disclosure of information about the transfer of two DPRK servicemen to South Korea.

These are North Korean servicemen who were captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region of Russia.

According to media reports, Seoul was counting on maintaining confidentiality regarding the transfer of prisoners.

However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly announced the corresponding transfer during his speech at the UN General Assembly.

This caused dissatisfaction on the part of the South Korean side.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung criticized the Ukrainian leader’s decision to make the information public.

He stressed that the decision to maintain confidentiality may be justified and should not become a subject of criticism.

Ukraine denies non-disclosure agreements

After the diplomatic dispute, the Office of the President of Ukraine stated that Kyiv did not undertake to keep information about the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war secret.

Thus, the positions of the parties regarding the confidentiality of the relevant information diverged.

South Korea expressed dissatisfaction with the public announcement of the transfer of the military, while the Ukrainian side denied the existence of a non-disclosure agreement.

Amid the dispute, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ukraine’s charge d’affaires for explanations.

Seoul remains dissatisfied with Ukraine’s apology

According to South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, on October 6 he received a message from his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiga, regarding the apology.

However, the content of this message did not meet the expectations of the South Korean side.

This, according to Yonhap, was one of the factors in further diplomatic escalation.

At the same time, the detailed content of the Ukrainian minister’s message is not disclosed in the cited source.

South Korea reduced diplomatic presence in Ukraine

Against the backdrop of the conflict, Seoul has already taken diplomatic steps.

In particular, South Korea recalled eight diplomatic mission employees from Ukraine.

In addition, the South Korean ambassador has been in his homeland for about three weeks.

Such decisions indicate a significant aggravation of bilateral relations.

At the same time, the reduction of diplomatic personnel and the ambassador’s stay abroad do not mean an automatic break in diplomatic relations.

To terminate diplomatic relations, a separate political decision of the respective state is required.

Can Ukraine and South Korea resolve the conflict

Despite the harsh statements, diplomatic channels between Kyiv and Seoul remain open.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry confirms continued contacts with the Ukrainian side.

This indicates that the parties are currently trying to find a diplomatic solution.

At the same time, further development of the situation will depend on the results of the negotiations and the willingness of both states to resolve differences regarding the disclosure of information about prisoners of war.