---
title: "Why the Scandal with South Korea Won't End: Andrii Sybiha Responds"
description: "Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commented on the diplomatic crisis with South Korea arising from the transfer of DPRK prisoners and the recall of Seoul's ambassador."
date: 2026-10-12T11:28:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/scandal-south-korea-sybiha-response
tags: [south-korea, ukraine, diplomacy, north-korea, andrii-sybiha]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Why the Scandal with South Korea Won't End: Andrii Sybiha Responds

![Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha commenting on the diplomatic scandal with South Korea](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/12/skandal-s-yuzhnoj-koreej-otvet-sibigi/skandal-s-yuzhnoj-koreej-otvet-sibigi-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Ukraine transferred two DPRK prisoners of war captured in the Kursk region in January 2025 to South Korea.
- South Korea recalled its ambassador on October 8 due to differing interpretations of transfer confidentiality.
- Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv fulfilled all obligations and sees great potential for future cooperation.

Diplomatic relations between Ukraine and South Korea have faced a severe test following an incident involving the transfer of two prisoners of war. The situation became public after the Ukrainian leadership openly announced this step, triggering a sharp reaction in Seoul, which had expected strict confidentiality throughout the process.

### Background and Causes of the Diplomatic Crisis

The foundation for the current standoff was an episode announced by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on September 23 at the UN General Assembly. The head of state publicly reported the transfer to Seoul of two DPRK servicemen captured by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region in January 2025. This step, conceived by Kyiv as a gesture of goodwill and a demonstration of compliance with the Geneva Conventions, unexpectedly resulted in diplomatic tension. Seoul stated it had expected the information to remain confidential, while the Office of the President of Ukraine insisted there were no strict non-disclosure agreements in place.

### Seoul's Reaction and Recall of the Ambassador

The escalation of differences led to concrete diplomatic steps by South Korea. On October 8, official Seoul announced the temporary recall of its ambassador from Ukraine for additional consultations and to resolve outstanding issues. In turn, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted in an interview with RBC-Ukraine that the Ukrainian side had been informed in advance of this decision, and Kyiv had also invited the South Korean diplomat for a conversation to clarify positions.

### Contradictory Data

The main stumbling block in this incident remains the divergence in assessments of confidentiality agreements. The South Korean side claims that Ukrainian partners violated preliminary protocols on non-disclosure regarding the transfer of DPRK citizens, which carry complex legal and political nuances under the South Korean constitution. Official Kyiv categorically rejects these accusations, stating that no legal or written obligations regarding strict silence were violated, and the transfer of prisoners was carried out strictly within the framework of international law.

### Prospects for Settlement and Kyiv's Position

Despite current friction in the dialogue, the head of the Ukrainian foreign policy department emphasized that Kyiv does not consider the situation an unresolved deadlock. Andrii Sybiha assured that Ukraine has fully fulfilled all its obligations, guided by the constitutional norms of South Korea, which recognize these individuals as citizens of that country. The minister expressed confidence that shared strategic interests and economic potential will overcome temporary disagreements, and diplomacy will prevail in relations between the two nations.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Почему скандал с Южной Кореей никак не закончится: ответ Сибиги](https://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/chomu-skandal-pivdennoyu-koreeyu-niyak-zakinchitsya-1791804329.html) - Интервью министра иностранных дел Украины Андрея Сибиги относительно спора с Сеулом из-за передачи военнопленных из КНДР.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: Why did South Korea recall its ambassador?
**A:** Seoul recalled its ambassador on October 8 due to disagreements regarding the confidentiality of information on the transfer of two DPRK prisoners of war.

### Q: How does Ukraine explain the transfer of prisoners?
**A:** Kyiv stated it acted within the framework of the Geneva Conventions and with respect for the Constitution of South Korea, considering it a gesture of goodwill.