Seoul recalls ambassador to Kyiv over POW transfer; seeks NK reconciliation

South Korea has recalled its ambassador to Ukraine for the first time, and Ukraine has reciprocated, following the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to Kyiv. The move signals a diplomatic rupture over Seoul's concerns about North Korean soldiers fighting for Russia, while Seoul simultaneously pursues reconciliation with Pyongyang. The incident complicates Ukraine's diplomatic outreach and may affect reconstruction cooperation.