Ukraine conveyed contents of Zelensky's speech through diplomatic channels; president expresses regret over disclosure

A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces. [Captured from X]
A North Korean soldier captured by Ukrainian forces. [Captured from X]

South Korea's presidential office confirmed Thursday that it had prior knowledge of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's UN General Assembly announcement that two captured North Korean soldiers had been repatriated to South Korea.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official met with reporters at a press center in Mexico City on Thursday (local time) and said the government was not caught off guard by Zelensky's remarks. "We were not listening to the speech without any prior knowledge," the official said. "Through diplomatic channels, we were aware that such content could be included."

The official expressed regret that the matter had been made public, saying quiet handling was essential for a swift and smooth resolution. "During consultations with Ukraine, there was a mutual understanding that this would be handled discreetly without being disclosed," the official said.

The official added that no country handles prisoner repatriations openly. "Any country handles prisoner repatriation quietly, not out in the open," the official said, pushing back against suggestions that keeping it private implied wrongdoing. "There seems to be a view that not disclosing this means there is some hidden agenda or that the public is being deceived — but that is not the case."

The official also addressed concerns raised by some that the government might repatriate the prisoners to North Korea out of fear of straining inter-Korean relations, emphasizing that human rights principles would guide any decision.

"The principles governing this matter are human rights and international law — there are no other considerations," the official said, adding that the issue must be resolved in a manner consistent with humanitarian principles. The official made clear that repatriation to the North was highly unlikely unless the individuals themselves wished it.

Earlier that day, President Lee posted on X, formerly Twitter, expressing displeasure that a confidential agreement had been broken. "A non-disclosure agreement was violated and the matter was made public," Lee wrote. "I do not know what circumstances led to this, but I am deeply disappointed."

Lee said the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war was "an extremely sensitive issue that significantly affects diplomacy, security and the situation on the Korean Peninsula," adding that keeping it private "was appropriate in every respect and was what we had agreed upon."

Lee also rebuffed criticism from conservative opposition figures who faulted the government for not disclosing the repatriation. "It is not right to criticize a justified and legitimate decision to keep the matter private," he said.


sang@heraldcorp.com