South Korea to Withdraw More Embassy Staff from Ukraine Amid POW Dispute

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced it will withdraw additional embassy personnel from Ukraine. This decision follows Kyiv's perceived lack of a "constructive response" in a dispute concerning North Korean prisoners of war (POWs). According to ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon, Seoul had communicated its position on the matter through multiple channels but had not received a satisfactory reply from Ukraine.

Earlier this month, South Korea recalled its ambassador from Kyiv after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. This disclosure reportedly angered Seoul, which argued that the operation should have remained confidential to safeguard the soldiers' families residing in North Korea.

"This measure was taken because we judged it necessary to facilitate an amicable resolution of the issue and restore trust between the two countries," Park stated during a regular press briefing. He did not specify the number of staff members who would be leaving.

Park added that a charge d’affaires would remain in Kyiv to maintain diplomatic communication, along with all consular staff to ensure the protection of South Korean nationals. He also cited persistent threats of air strikes across Ukraine as a factor making staff safety difficult to guarantee.

Previously, Seoul had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and indicated the possibility of unspecified "further measures."

Ukraine, on its part, has maintained that "diplomacy must prevail over emotions" in bilateral relations and has stated that Kyiv considers "the situation resolved."

South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun had earlier noted that Ukraine had sent a message containing "words of apology" regarding President Zelenskyy's disclosure, but this fell short of the "level" Seoul expected.

Under the constitution of South Korea, all individuals from North Korea are considered citizens of the Republic of Korea. Those who reach South Korean territory and express a desire to defect are generally permitted to remain.