South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced plans to reduce its diplomatic presence in Ukraine, citing Kyiv’s inadequate handling of a sensitive matter involving captured North Korean military personnel.
The decision follows President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s disclosure earlier this month at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea. Seoul had previously communicated to Ukrainian officials that this operation should have remained confidential to protect the safety of the soldiers’ families in North Korea. The ministry stated that despite raising the issue through multiple diplomatic channels, Ukraine had not provided what officials considered a constructive or sufficiently responsive reply.
A ministry spokesperson indicated that the withdrawal of additional personnel was intended to encourage resolution of the disagreement and rebuild confidence between the two nations. However, the specific number of staff members who would depart was not disclosed. The embassy will maintain a charge d’affaires in Kyiv along with consular personnel to continue diplomatic functions and protect South Korean citizens. Officials also cited security concerns related to ongoing threats of airstrikes across Ukraine as a contributing factor in the decision to reduce staffing.
Previously, Seoul summoned Ukraine’s ambassador and indicated that further unspecified measures could follow. Ukraine’s government has responded by stating that diplomatic efforts should take precedence over emotional reactions, and indicated that it considers the matter resolved. South Korea’s Foreign Minister noted that Ukraine had sent communications containing expressions of regret regarding the disclosure, though these fell short of Seoul’s expectations regarding the scope and depth of the response.
Under South Korean constitutional provisions, all North Koreans are treated as citizens of the Republic of Korea, and individuals from North Korea who reach South Korean territory and seek to defect are typically permitted to remain.
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