The government has decided to recall Ambassador Park Ki-chang to Ukraine to Korea. It had been demanding an explanation and apology from Ukraine, which disclosed that North Korean prisoners of war were repatriated to Korea, but as differences between the two countries were not resolved, the move is seen as an escalation of protest.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on the 8th, "The government has decided to recall the ambassador to Ukraine to Korea." It added, "We hope that all pending issues between the two countries will be resolved smoothly, and we will continue consultations with Ukraine to that end."

Recalling an ambassador from the host country is a diplomatic measure that conveys a strong protest to the other country. It is the first time since July 2008 that Korea has summoned its own ambassador in protest over a diplomatic dispute, when it recalled then-Ambassador to Japan Kwon Chul-hyun in response to Japan's claim to sovereignty over Dokdo.