Lee Jae‑myung Says Ukraine's Denial of Confidential Pact Risks Further Steps

In a briefing on October 2, President Lee Jae‑myung reiterated South Korea’s demand for an official apology from Ukraine regarding the public revelation of a covert prisoner‑of‑war transfer.

The South Korean administration maintains that the movement of two North Korean soldiers to its territory was covered by a secret bilateral agreement. Ukraine’s refusal to acknowledge that pact, Lee argued, undermines mutual trust and could embolden hostile actions on the peninsula.

"If Kyiv continues to ignore the facts and declines to apologize, Seoul will be forced to adopt additional measures," Lee said, adding that the matter concerns the dignity of the Korean people.

Possible repercussions mentioned include diplomatic protests, the recall of the South Korean envoy in Kyiv, and other measures yet to be defined.