South Korea announced on Thursday that it is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine, following a disagreement over North Korean prisoners of war. This diplomatic withdrawal follows a warning from President Lee Jae Myung, who previously demanded an apology from Ukraine regarding a recent revelation. The President had indicated that the government would take unspecified punitive steps if an apology was not issued.

Key facts

  • South Korea is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine as of October 8, 2026.
  • The conflict involves a dispute over North Korean prisoners of war (POWs).
  • President Lee Jae Myung threatened punitive measures if Ukraine did not apologize.
  • The demand for an apology follows a revelation not detailed in the source.

Why it matters

The decision to recall an ambassador and the threat of punitive actions indicate a serious deterioration of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Ukraine.

NPR

Source: NPR World News — Read original story