- The move follows a diplomatic dispute centered on North Korean prisoners of war
- South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine amid rising tensions
Updated 27 minutes 31 seconds ago
October 20, 2026 11:26
SEOUL: South Korea’s foreign ministry announced Tuesday that it would withdraw personnel from its embassy in Ukraine amid a growing dispute over the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul.
The decision came more than a week after South Korea recalled its ambassador to Ukraine. The envoy returned home after President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed last month that the prisoners had been transferred to South Korea. Seoul said the disclosure could endanger their families in North Korea.
Park Doo-soon, a foreign ministry spokesperson, said Tuesday that the Ukrainian side had responded to the recall with “no positive response.”
“In light of the persistent threat of air strikes throughout the country, which makes ensuring the safety of personnel difficult, the government has decided to withdraw some of its diplomatic mission staff,” Park said.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has demanded an official apology over the disclosure. Seoul previously summoned Kyiv’s ambassador and warned of unspecified “further measures.”
Ukraine has said that “diplomacy must prevail over emotions” in its relations with South Korea and that it considers the matter “resolved.”
Earlier this month, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said Ukraine had sent a message containing “words of apology” for Zelensky’s disclosure, but that it did not meet Seoul’s expectations.