BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) ― North Korean ambassador to Sweden, Pak Kwang-chol, was called back to Pyongyang on Friday, a diplomatic source said, marking the latest recall of North Korean diplomats following the recent execution of leader Kim Jong-un‘s uncle.

Pak, one of close aides to the purged uncle, Jang Song-thaek, returned to North Korea via an Air Koryo flight after making a brief stopover in Beijing earlier in the day, the source said on the condition of anonymity.

Escorted by North Korean officials, Pak and his wife were spotted at Beijing airport before boarding the Air Koryo flight, the source said.

Park took up the post in September last year, according to a report by the North’s state media.

Concerns remain high over North Korea‘s stability after the Dec. 12 execution of Jang, who had played a key role for Kim, to consolidate his grip on power. Kim, believed to be around 30, took power two years ago following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.

South Korea and the United States have been closely watching North Korea amid fears that Pyongyang could carry out provocations as part of its strategy to forge internal unity following the political upheaval.

Earlier this month, North Korea’s ambassador to Malaysia, Jang Yong-chol, a nephew of the purged Jang, was recalled to the North. (Yonhap News)