South Korea Recalls Ambassador Over Ukraine POW Dispute

South Korea recalled Ambassador Park Ki-chang from Ukraine on October 10, 2026, marking the first time the country has taken such a diplomatic step since 2008. The recall follows a dispute over two North Korean prisoners of war captured in the Kursk region in January 2025 while fighting for Russia.

Lee Jae Myung, the President of South Korea, warned of "additional measures" if Ukraine continues to deny a non-disclosure agreement. South Korea asserts that the agreement was established at Ukraine's request to protect the soldiers and their families in North Korea. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicized the transfer of the prisoners during an address to the UN General Assembly in New York last month.

Kyiv has since denied that any confidentiality agreement existed. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea expressed hope that issues between the two nations will be resolved smoothly, the recall serves as a formal protest against the disclosure.