South Korea’s foreign ministry is recalling its ambassador to Ukraine, Park Ki-chang.

The move is a protest against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s revelation of a supposedly secret transfer of two North Korean prisoners of war to South Korea.

Seoul sees the disclosure as a breach of trust. The transfer had been kept quiet by both sides.

Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it remains open to ‘constructive dialogue’ despite South Korea’s decision.

The two North Koreans were captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Their case has drawn international attention.

The row comes at a delicate time. Both countries are dealing with the fallout from Russia’s war, and the prisoner issue adds a new complication to their ties.

Ambassador Park is expected back in Seoul within days. No replacement has been named.

The episode is awkward for both sides. South Korea has been a key backer of Ukraine, and the prisoner transfer was meant to stay secret.