South Korea NIS Tells Lawmakers Ukraine First Requested Confidentiality Over North Korean POW Transfer

South Korea's National Intelligence Service told the National Assembly intelligence committee on September 30 that Ukraine first requested strict confidentiality over the transfer of two captured North Korean soldiers, citing possible effects on future prisoner exchange talks, according to committee members Youn Kun-young and Yoo Yeong-ha as relayed by Yonhap and Segye Ilbo 12. The NIS said the two arrived in mid-September in good health and confirmed their willingness to come several times 13. It said it did not know of any leader-level agreement, but that a nondisclosure understanding was reached through foreign ministry and embassy channels 23. Seoul demanded an explanation and apology on September 27, and Ukraine has offered no expression of regret, formal or informal, Segye Ilbo reported 2. Hankook Ilbo reported the NIS said no conditions or South Korean aid were attached to the transfer 3.