A labor union representing South Korean public officials has expressed regret over the unification ministry’s decision to reverse its position on the controversial repatriation of two North Korean fishermen, criticizing the move for turning the case into a “tool of political strife.”

In a statement posted on the unification ministry’s internal portal, the ministry’s branch of the State Public Affairs Labor Union voices “concern” about the recent release of photos and videos showing the handover of the two men at Panmunjom in 2019, according to the text of the statement obtained by NK News.