Seoul has warned that it will take "further action" unless Ukraine issues an apology over a dispute involving prisoners of war, President Lee Jae Myung said on Monday. In unusually strong language, Mr Lee accused Kyiv of "attempting to provoke a war on the Korean Peninsula."
Diplomatic row over prisoners of war
The president’s remarks framed the disagreement as more than a bilateral spat, characterising the incident as a serious provocation that could have wider security implications. Seoul has demanded an apology from the Ukrainian government in connection with the prisoner-of-war dispute, saying the matter requires formal acknowledgement and redress.
Escalation and rhetoric
Mr Lee’s statement signalled a hardening of tone from South Korea, with the reference to possible "further action" indicating that the government is prepared to take additional steps if its demands are not met. Seoul did not specify in the comments whether those actions would be diplomatic, legal, economic or otherwise.
Unclear immediate response from Kyiv
The development adds a new source of tension to relations between the two countries. It remains unclear how or when Kyiv will respond to Seoul’s demand for an apology, and whether the issue will be resolved through diplomatic channels or escalate further.