The South Korean government has announced its decision to withdraw approximately half of its embassy staff from Kyiv, Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul attributed the move to persistent security threats in the region and what it described as an insufficient response from the Ukrainian government regarding an investigation into the alleged disclosure of prisoner of war information.
The ministry confirmed the plan on Tuesday, stating that the reduction in personnel is a measure to ensure the safety of its diplomatic staff. Despite the withdrawal, the embassy will remain operational. Essential consular services, including support for South Korean nationals remaining in Ukraine, will continue to be provided by the remaining staff members.
The decision follows a formal request by South Korea to Ukrainian authorities to investigate the publication of personal information concerning South Korean citizens who were captured by Russian forces while voluntarily fighting for Ukraine. According to ministry officials, a Ukrainian media outlet reportedly published sensitive details about the prisoners, prompting Seoul to seek an official inquiry and measures to prevent future occurrences.
Lim Soo-suk, a spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, stated during a press briefing that the government had “repeatedly and strongly” requested a prompt investigation and a response from the Ukrainian side. Lim noted that Seoul had not yet received what it considers a “tangible response” from Kyiv on the matter.
In addition to the dispute over the information disclosure, the ministry cited the ongoing security situation in the Ukrainian capital as a primary factor for the staff reduction. Government officials have been operating on a rotational basis in Kyiv since a small team of diplomats returned in May 2022, following a temporary relocation of the embassy after the conflict began.
The South Korean government maintains its position that travel to all regions of Ukraine is prohibited for its citizens and has advised against any travel to the country. There are currently no plans to completely close the embassy in Kyiv.
As of this report, the Ukrainian government has not issued a public statement regarding South Korea’s decision or its request for an investigation.
