SEOUL, October 27. /TASS/. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry has recalled eight employees of its embassy in Kiev amid escalating tensions with Ukraine. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced the decision during parliamentary hearings, saying it was prompted by statements from the Ukrainian side, including remarks concerning the situation along the border with North Korea.
"We have no choice but to recall eight diplomatic workers," he said. Seoul announced the withdrawal of some embassy staff on October 20.
Statements made during the hearings indicated that South Korea does not rule out the possibility that the dispute could jeopardize diplomatic relations between the two countries.
An opposition lawmaker said the current situation "essentially borders on a virtual severance of diplomatic relations" or, at the very least, constitutes an "extremely acute diplomatic conflict" on the brink of such an outcome.
"Yes. If the escalation continues, I believe there is such a possibility," Cho replied.
At the same time, the foreign minister said he remained in contact with his Ukrainian counterpart. He added that "key employees" of the South Korean embassy would stay in Ukraine to assist South Korean citizens if necessary.
On October 8, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry announced that the government had decided to recall its ambassador to Ukraine. On October 20, ministry spokesman Park Doo-soon confirmed that Seoul had also decided to withdraw some diplomatic staff from the country.