The Russian Ambassador’s praise for North Korean troops’ participation in the Ukraine war has ignited a wave of diplomatic fury, amid growing criticism of Seoul's response, which some have described as "passive."
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Ahead of the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, the Russian Embassy in the Jeong-dong neighborhood of Seoul’s Jung-gu district displayed a massive banner. The banner features the Russian phrase "Победа будет за нами" (Victory will be ours). Sources confirmed that while the South Korean government requested the banner’s removal, the Russian side refused.
A 15-Meter Proclamation
On the morning of the 21st, the 15-meter-long banner—designed with the colors of the Russian tricolor flag—was clearly visible from the square in front of the First Jeong-dong Church. This slogan, widely used by the Soviet Union during WWII, has recently been repurposed within Russia as a symbol to justify the war of aggression. The display of a "victory" slogan for a war of conquest by a diplomatic mission in the heart of Seoul is considered highly unusual.
Due to concerns that similar banners might be raised in other Russian embassies, inquiries were made in Tokyo. It was confirmed that as of February 21, no such war-related banners were displayed at the Russian Embassy in Japan.
Within Seoul’s diplomatic circles, criticism is mounting. "Displaying a victory slogan for a war of invasion in the heart of another country is a significant departure from diplomatic norms," observers noted. Diplomatic envoys in South Korea, including representatives from European nations, have reportedly expressed their concerns to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
"Grateful to North Korean Troops"
The controversy extends beyond the banner. During a press conference on February 11, Russian Ambassador Georgiy Zinoviev told South Korean journalists: "Russia is well aware of the contribution made by North Korean troops in liberating the southern part of the Kursk region from Ukrainian forces and Western mercenaries," adding, "We will not forget the greatness of the North Korean forces."
This marks a precedent, as it is the first time a Russian ambassador in Seoul has publicly expressed gratitude for North Korean military intervention in front of the South Korean media.
Experts warn that North Korean troops will likely gain combat experience and advanced technologies, such as drone warfare, which could be deployed along the Armistice Line upon their return—posing a direct or indirect threat to South Korea's security.
MOFA Warning and the Vienna Convention
The South Korean government warned that the banner and the Ambassador's remarks are a "clear overstep." MOFA recently stated that "Russia, having violated the UN Charter, cannot be tolerated in publicly expressing its position on an illegal war on the walls of its embassy."
The Ministry requested the banner's removal, noting it provokes South Korean public opinion and harms bilateral relations, especially given the presence of the Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul. However, the South Korean government cannot forcibly remove it due to the Vienna Convention, which guarantees the inviolability of diplomatic mission premises.
Pro-War Rallies
Diplomatic circles believe Russia is testing Seoul’s limits. Last year, on the third anniversary of the invasion, Russia organized a pro-war rally where Ambassador Zinoviev described the invasion as a "Special Military Operation."
The embassy reportedly plans a similar rally this February 24, having already notified the Namdaemun Police Station. While no public rallies were held on the first or second anniversaries, the scale of these events has increased recently.
Criticism of the "Passive" Response
An expert on Russian affairs suggested that the Lee Jae-myung administration is attempting to avoid direct confrontation with Moscow to preserve long-term projects like inter-Korean railways and gas pipelines. Critics argue this "defensive and passive" stance has emboldened Russia.
Even when foreign media reported in December 2024 that Russia had designated key South Korean infrastructure as potential targets in an emergency, the government merely stated it was "monitoring the situation closely." Furthermore, unlike Japan, which publicly announces the summoning of ambassadors, South Korea has reportedly conducted such protests privately.
While maintaining stable relations with Russia is a key diplomatic task, observers stress that mutual respect is the foundation. The display of victory banners and praise for North Korean intervention are seen by many as a breach of that respect. All eyes are now on how the Lee Jae-myung government will handle what is perceived as a crossing of diplomatic "red lines" by the Russian Embassy. — Agencies
