South Korea to withdraw embassy staff from Ukraine in dispute over North Korean prisoners

South Korea has announced it will withdraw embassy staff from Ukraine. The move is linked to a dispute over Ukraine's disclosure concerning North Korean prisoners. Al Jazeera and The Japan Times both reported the announcement.

The decision follows South Korea's recall of its ambassador to Ukraine earlier in October 2026. The Japan Times summary says the recall came less than two weeks before the latest announcement.

According to Al Jazeera, ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon made the announcement on Tuesday at a regular press briefing. Al Jazeera reported that Park did not say how many staff members would leave. A charge d'affaires and all consular staff will remain in Kyiv, according to Park. He said they will maintain diplomatic communication and protect South Korean nationals.

Park said Seoul had conveyed its position to Kyiv through multiple channels but had not received a sufficient response, according to Al Jazeera. He also cited persistent threats of air strikes across Ukraine, which he said make it difficult to ensure staff safety.

The dispute began after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to South Korea, according to Al Jazeera. Seoul previously summoned the Ukrainian ambassador and threatened unspecified "further measures", the outlet reported.

Under South Korea's constitution, all North Koreans are considered citizens of the Republic of Korea, according to Al Jazeera. Those who reach its territory and seek to defect are generally allowed to stay.

What each side says

• South Korea's Foreign Ministry: Kyiv has not given a "constructive response", according to Al Jazeera. Al Jazeera quoted Park as saying: "This measure was taken because we judged it necessary to facilitate an amicable resolution of the issue and restore trust between the two countries."
• South Korean government: The prisoner transfer should have remained confidential to protect the soldiers' families in North Korea, according to Al Jazeera.
• Foreign Minister Cho Hyun: Earlier this month, Ukraine sent a message that "included words of apology" over Zelenskyy's disclosure, according to Al Jazeera. Cho said the message fell short of "the level" Seoul had in mind.
• Ukraine: A Ukrainian side, not named in the Al Jazeera report, said "diplomacy must prevail over emotions" in relations between the two countries. It said Kyiv considers "the situation resolved".

What the reports do not say

The reports reviewed by Vocemundi do not say how many staff will be withdrawn or when. They do not include a Ukrainian response to the withdrawal announcement itself. They do not describe the full content of Ukraine's message, or what level of response Seoul expects. They do not describe the current status of the two soldiers or how the transfer was carried out. They include no reaction from North Korea. The Japan Times item reviewed is a brief summary only.

Analysis

The two governments appear to assess the dispute differently. Ukraine, according to Al Jazeera, considers the matter resolved. Seoul says it has not received a sufficient response. Keeping a charge d'affaires and consular staff in Kyiv suggests Seoul is reducing its presence rather than cutting ties. One possible path is a further Ukrainian statement that meets Seoul's expectations, followed by a return of staff. Another is a longer period of reduced contact. The case also shows the sensitivity of handling North Korean prisoners, given South Korea's concern for their families. The reports reviewed do not indicate which outcome is more likely.

Produced by the Vocemundi newsroom with AI assistance.