The government is reportedly considering the recall of Korean ambassador to Pakistan Yoon Ji-joon and all staff as with possible US retaliation against Afghanistan around the corner, an anti-US movement in Pakistan is spreading day by day.

According to an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tuesday, the withdrawal is being considered over concerns that Koreans may become the target of the anti-US movement, since the government has declared full support in favor of the US.

South Korea broke off diplomatic relations with Afghanistan in 1978 and the embassy in Pakistan, a neighboring country, has taken care of diplomatic affairs with Kabul as well as Islamabad.

At the same time, the official said the government has urged 368 Koreans currently in Pakistan to return to Korea or a third country as early as possible, adding that 184 staff and family members of resident office are expected to leave by September 21. However, a large number of people who have settled there are willing to stay until the situation gets worse.

(Heo Yong-beom, heo@chosun.com )