[Anchor]

The South Korean government, embroiled in a dispute with Ukraine following the disclosure of the repatriation of North Korean prisoners of war, has decided to withdraw half of its embassy personnel in Ukraine. This marks one of the strongest diplomatic measures, short of severing diplomatic ties or closing the diplomatic mission.

Reporter Kim Hye-young reports.

[Reporter]

Following the recall of its ambassador to Ukraine on October 8, the South Korean government has decided to withdraw half of the staff at its local embassy.

[Park Doo-soon / Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Amid the absence of constructive steps (from Ukraine), and considering that persistent threats of airstrikes (across Ukraine) make it difficult to ensure safety, the government has decided on a partial withdrawal of embassy personnel.]

While the government explained that it has become difficult to guarantee the safety of diplomatic staff, downsizing local personnel that had been maintained for more than four years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine is seen as a move to effectively exert pressure on Ukraine.

A Foreign Ministry official said, "Unless Ukraine takes constructive steps, it will not be easy for embassy personnel to return," indicating that a clear apology and a commitment to prevent a recurrence regarding the disclosure of the transfer of North Korean POWs are prerequisites for their return.

The Foreign Ministry stated that 85 South Korean nationals currently reside in Ukraine, and it plans to first support citizens wishing to evacuate before carrying out the withdrawal of embassy personnel.

Only the minimum personnel required for consular duties, led by the chargé d'affaires, will remain on the ground, according to the ministry.

However, with numerous pending issues requiring cooperation with Ukraine—ranging from countermeasures against deepening North Korea-Russia alignment to post-war reconstruction—a sober assessment may also be necessary on whether such a hard-line response could burden South Korea's national interest in the long term.

(Video by Cho Choon-dong | Video Editing by Kim Jun-hee | Graphics by Byun Da-young)