President Lee: "Keeping North Korean POW Repatriation Confidential Was Justified Despite Approval Gains... Disappointed Ukraine Broke Agreement"

"A Highly Sensitive Issue Affecting Diplomacy and Security"


Directly Responds to Opposition’s Criticism Over Secrecy

President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Mexico, commented on the government's decision not to release information about the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces. He stated, "Even though making this public would have clearly helped restore approval ratings for the administration, considering the various issues that could arise from disclosure, it was reasonable in all respects to keep it confidential." He expressed regret that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed this in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, stating, "He violated our confidentiality agreement."

President Lee Jae-myung, who paid a state visit to Mexico, is listening to the Mexican national anthem at the official welcoming ceremony held at the National Palace in Mexico City on the 24th (local time). On the right is Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico. 2026.9.25 Photo by Yonhap News Agency

While on his state visit to Mexico, President Lee wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on the 24th (local time), "State affairs should be conducted for the nation and the people, not for the interests or popularity of the administration or those in power," explaining his position in this way.

President Lee described the issue of repatriating North Korean prisoners of war as "a very sensitive issue that has a significant impact on diplomacy, security, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula." He added, "Of course there were internal arguments to disclose the fact that we repatriated North Korean prisoners, which would have clearly helped restore support for the administration," but said, "However, when considering the various problems that disclosure could bring, keeping it confidential was reasonable in all respects and was agreed upon accordingly."

He especially emphasized that the decision to keep the repatriation secret took into account the potential impact on the safety of the prisoners themselves, inter-Korean relations, and national security. President Lee stated, "When considering someone’s life and the national interest, including national security, being ruthless and irresponsible in this matter was not an option," adding, "It is not right to criticize a justified and legitimate decision to keep this matter confidential."

He also expressed direct disappointment with President Zelensky’s public disclosure. President Lee said, "I do not know what circumstances led Ukraine to break our confidentiality agreement and make the information public, but I am very disappointed."

Previously, on the 23rd (local time), President Zelensky stated in his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, "Recently, we sent two North Korean prisoners of war to the Republic of Korea." While the South Korean government did not deny the repatriation, it maintained that, for the safety of the individuals and their families, it could not provide information about the handling, timing, or routes concerning the individuals involved.

The government has maintained its principle of respecting the free will of the persons involved and resolving the issue in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. President Lee and President Zelensky also reaffirmed this principle during their summit meeting in July.

After President Zelensky’s announcement, the opposition camp continued to pressure the government to clarify why it did not first disclose the entry of the North Korean prisoners into the country. Assemblyman Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party argued, "Why should our citizens be informed of North Korean soldiers coming to Korea via the Ukrainian president’s speech at the UN?" Assemblyman Yoo Yong-won also pointed out that the government should have responded more proactively.

President Lee concluded his remarks by stating, "I sincerely hope for an early end to the inhumane wars in which countless people are killed or injured and everything is destroyed."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.