South Korea may recall ambassador from Ukraine: Seoul did not accept Kyiv’s apology

South Korea has received a message from Ukraine apologizing for the disclosure of information about the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war. However, Seoul stated that this apology is not enough and allows for further diplomatic steps, including the recall of the ambassador from Ukraine.

This was stated by South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyeon, quoted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.

According to the minister, he maintained constant contact with the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiga. During the talks, the Ukrainian minister, according to Cho Hyeon, emphasized the complexity of the situation.

The head of the South Korean Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the messages received from the Ukrainian side contained an apology.

At the same time, Seoul considers them insufficient.

“They are different from the level we expect, so we intend to take decisive measures,” Cho Hyeon said during a speech to parliamentarians.

Seoul allows recall of ambassador from Ukraine

The South Korean government is currently considering various options for further reaction.

Among the possible steps is the recall of South Korea’s ambassador to Ukraine, Park Hee-chan. This proposal was previously made by one of the South Korean deputies.

Cho Hyun emphasized that there was allegedly an agreement between the parties not to disclose information about the transfer of prisoners of war.

According to him, confidentiality was necessary to protect the servicemen themselves and their relatives who remain in North Korea.

The minister also claims that it was the Ukrainian side that initially asked not to publish the relevant data.

What caused the dispute between Ukraine and South Korea

The diplomatic dispute arose after the statement of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on September 23 during the UN General Assembly.

Then the head of state announced the transfer of two prisoners of war from the DPRK to South Korea.

After that, Seoul stated that Ukraine had violated the confidentiality agreement. The Ukrainian side, in turn, denied the existence of such an agreement.

On September 27, South Korea demanded official explanations and apologies from Ukraine. Subsequently, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Ukrainian chargé d’affaires.

On October 2, the South Korean president announced possible “measures” against Ukraine in the absence of a proper apology.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga had previously called the situation a “diplomatic misunderstanding” and expressed hope for its speedy resolution.

South Korea has not yet announced a final decision on recalling its ambassador from Ukraine.