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, currently on a state visit to Mexico, addressed the government's decision not to disclose the repatriation of two North Korean prisoners of war captured by Ukrainian forces. He stated, "Even though disclosure would have clearly helped recover national approval ratings, considering the various issues that could arise from going public, it was reasonable in all respects to withhold the information." Regarding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's public announcement of the matter during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, President Lee expressed regret, saying, "He violated a 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

On the 24th (local time), during his state visit to Mexico, President Lee posted on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "State affairs are conducted for the country and its people, not for the interests or popularity of the administration or those in power," explaining the rationale for the decision.

President Lee described the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war as a "highly sensitive agenda that significantly affects diplomacy, security, and the situation on the Korean Peninsula." He continued, "It is only natural that there were internal arguments for disclosing the fact of repatriation, which would obviously help restore public approval ratings. However, given the various problems that could result from public disclosure, it was reasonable in every respect to keep it confidential, and we reached an agreement accordingly."

He especially emphasized that the decision to keep the repatriation confidential considered the possible repercussions for the safety of the prisoners themselves, inter-Korean relations, and national security. President Lee said, "When it comes to human life and national security, for the sake of the national interest, one cannot act callously or irresponsibly. Criticizing a reasonable and legitimate confidentiality measure is not right," he stated.

President Lee also expressed his personal disappointment regarding President Zelensky's disclosure. He said, "I do not know what circumstances led the Ukrainian side to break the confidentiality agreement and reveal this information, but it is deeply regrettable."

Previously, President Zelensky revealed during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly on the 23rd (local time), "Recently, two North Korean prisoners of war were sent to the Republic of Korea." Afterward, the Korean government did not deny the fact of the repatriation but said it could not confirm the identities, timing, or route of the individuals, citing the safety of those concerned and their families.

The government has maintained the position that issues regarding North Korean prisoners of war should be resolved respecting the free will of the individuals involved and in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles. President Lee and President Zelensky also reaffirmed this principle during their bilateral summit in July.

Following President Zelensky's announcement, opposition parties called on the government to explain why it did not disclose the entry of the North Korean POWs into the country first. Representative Ahn Cheol-soo of the People Power Party argued, "Why did our citizens have to hear about North Korean soldiers coming to South Korea through the Ukrainian President's speech at the UN?" Representative Yoo Yong-won also pointed out that the government should have responded more proactively.

In closing, President Lee stated, "I sincerely hope that inhumane wars that claim countless lives, cause injuries, and destroy everything will come to an end as soon as possible."

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