The key facts

  • South Korea is recalling part of its diplomatic staff from Ukraine; consular staff remain to protect citizens.
  • The dispute concerns the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers, announced by Zelensky on September 23 at the UN.
  • Seoul claims a confidential agreement existed; Kyiv denies its existence.

Partial withdrawal of embassy staff

South Korea decided to recall part of the diplomatic staff of its embassy in Ukraine amid a dispute over the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers, local media reported on Tuesday. The decision followed the recall of South Korea's ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chan, on October 8, according to The Chosun Daily.

Official explanation

South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Park Du-sun told journalists in Seoul on Tuesday that the staff withdrawal was linked to the constant threat of airstrikes across Ukraine and difficulties ensuring security 'despite the absence of proactive measures from Ukraine even after the ambassador's recall.' He added that diplomatic communication would continue through the chargé d'affaires, and all consular staff would remain to 'ensure the protection of citizens abroad.'

The essence of the dispute

The diplomatic conflict began after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his address to the UN General Assembly on September 23 that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean servicemen to South Korea. Seoul accused Kyiv of violating a confidential agreement which, according to it, was supposed to prevent disclosure of the transfer and protect the prisoners and their families in North Korea. Ukrainian officials, however, deny the existence of such an agreement — a claim disputed by South Korea.

Context

According to South Korean and Western intelligence estimates, North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.