(URGENT) S. Korea to withdraw some staff from its embassy in Ukraine: foreign ministry

The South Korean Foreign Ministry announced on October 20 that it will withdraw a portion of its diplomatic staff from its embassy in Ukraine. This decision follows a period of heightened diplomatic friction between Seoul and Kyiv regarding the reported transfer of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) to South Korea.

While the South Korean government has characterized the move as a response to the ongoing dispute, Ukrainian officials have publicly stated that they consider the situation resolved. Ukraine has emphasized that diplomacy should take precedence over emotional reactions in the bilateral relationship, even as South Korea proceeds with the partial staff reduction and the recall of its ambassador.