South Korea demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean POW disclosure - Reuters

South Korea has formally requested an apology from Ukraine after the Ukrainian government disclosed information concerning North Korean prisoners of war held in the country. The South Korean presidential office said the disclosure breached a nondisclosure agreement that had been reached between the two governments regarding the status of the detainees.

Seoul’s statement indicated that the information released by Ukrainian authorities included details about the identity and location of the North Korean POWs, which South Korea argued should have remained confidential. The South Korean government asserted that the agreement was intended to protect the security and diplomatic sensitivities surrounding the prisoners.

Ukraine, however, rejected the claim that a binding nondisclosure agreement existed. Ukrainian officials said that no such arrangement had been signed and that the information shared was part of routine transparency measures concerning the handling of foreign prisoners of war.

The disagreement has led to a deterioration in relations between the two countries. Diplomatic contacts have become strained, and both sides have exchanged public criticisms over the handling of the issue.

South Korea’s presidential office emphasized that an apology is necessary to restore trust, while Ukrainian representatives have maintained their position that no agreement was violated, leaving the matter unresolved as diplomatic talks continue.