South Korea recalls ambassador to Ukraine amid dispute with Kyiv
Seoul said Ukraine’s apology fell short after Kyiv disclosed the transfer of two North Korean POWs despite a confidentiality agreement.
- On Thursday, October 8, 2026, South Korea recalled ROK Ambassador Park Ki-chang from Ukraine following a diplomatic dispute over the disclosure of two North Korean POWs transferred to Seoul.
- Seoul accuses Kyiv of violating a confidentiality agreement by publicly disclosing the transfer of two North Korean POWs, prompting the government's demand for an official explanation and denial.
- Foreign Minister Cho Hyun received an apology from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Tuesday, but stated it fell short of Seoul's expectations and the government intended to take "firm measures."
- The ROK Foreign Ministry announced the recall in a Thursday evening press release, stating "The government has decided to recall the ambassador to Ukraine" and will continue consultations with Kyiv.
- South Korea expressed hope to resolve outstanding issues amicably with Ukraine, stating "We will continue consultations with the Ukrainian side to that end" despite the diplomatic tension.
92 Articles
92 Articles
South Korea recalls Ukraine ambassador amid POW dispute
South Korea has said it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine. Seoul is upset about a transfer of North Korean prisoners of war being made public knowledge at the UN and had demanded — but not received — an apology.
South Korea recalls envoy to Ukraine over Zelenskyy POW disclosure
South Korea is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disclosed the transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. The move deepens a diplomatic rift between partners whose cooperation matters for intelligence, aid and regional strategy.
South Korea has moved from oral diplomatic claims to the withdrawal of the Ambassador: Park Ki-Chang is returning from Kiev to his home country; the decision was communicated by the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a dispute over the transfer of two DPRK prisoners, while Seoul will continue consultations with Ukraine and looks forward to resolving the differences.
The South Korean government is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced this due to an escalating dispute surrounding North Korean prisoners.
South Korea to recall its ambassador to Ukraine over North Korean POW dispute
South Korea says it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine, stepping up its protest of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent revelation of a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea
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