North Korea

South Korea announced it will recall its ambassador to Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed at the UN General Assembly in September that Ukraine had transferred two captured North Korean soldiers to Seoul. Seoul says the transfer was meant to be confidential and that Kyiv violated an agreement; Kyiv denies any non-disclosure agreement existed. The two soldiers were captured in Russia's Kursk region in January 2025 while fighting alongside Russian troops. The dispute has strained bilateral ties and complicated Seoul's policy toward Pyongyang.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Oct 9, 12:00 PM UTC

A diplomatic dispute has erupted between South Korea and Ukraine after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly disclosed the transfer of two North Korean soldiers captured in Russia's Kursk region to South Korea, which Seoul says was meant to remain confidential. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung demanded a public apology, warning of "further measures." Ukraine denies any binding confidentiality agreement existed. The incident has strained bilateral relations, with South Korea accusing Ukraine of breaching trust and potentially endangering the soldiers' families.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Oct 2, 12:38 PM UTC

South Korea's military demanded an apology from North Korea after landmine explosions in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on 21 September 2026 injured three South Korean soldiers. Seoul stated the blasts were "highly likely" caused by North Korean mines and violated the 1953 armistice. The United Nations Command confirmed an armistice breach. North Korea denied responsibility, with Kim Yo Jong calling the allegations a "farce" and warning South Korea would "pay the price." The incident has escalated tensions along the heavily fortified border.

8 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 30, 04:30 AM UTC

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that North Korea is preparing to deploy an additional 10,000 troops to Russia, with more than 8,000 already stationed there. A South Korean lawmaker, citing intelligence, reported approximately 9,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia. Zelenskyy also warned that Russia is beginning a new wave of mobilization. The claims have not been independently verified, and no official confirmation from North Korea or Russia has been issued.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 30, 02:30 AM UTC