South Korea and Ukraine agree to address North Korean POW issue under international law

South Korea and Ukraine agreed Tuesday to work toward resolving the status of two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukrainian forces in early 2025. The soldiers were deployed to Russia's Kursk region and have reportedly expressed interest in relocating to South Korea.

The agreement was reached during a meeting in Seoul between the South Korean foreign minister and the Ukrainian foreign minister. Officials stated the resolution should follow international law and humanitarian principles while respecting the free will of the individuals involved.

Background on the captured soldiers South Korea maintains that North Korean soldiers are constitutionally regarded as South Korean nationals and that it will accept any POWs who wish to come to the country. Ukrainian officials have said they will not forcibly repatriate the soldiers against their will, though a final decision remains pending as Kyiv considers broader POW treatment issues.

Additional discussions The ministers also exchanged views on the war in Ukraine and regional developments on the Korean Peninsula. They discussed potential cooperation on Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and economic ties. The Ukrainian foreign minister visited the Demilitarized Zone during the trip and stated that Ukraine is prepared to offer South Korea a mutually beneficial security partnership.

The visit marked the first by a Ukrainian foreign minister to South Korea since 2015.