The Belgian ambassador to South Korea has been recalled following an alleged slapping incident involving his wife and a clothing retail store clerk in Seoul.

The embassy announced in a Facebook post that Ambassador Peter Lescouhier will “end his tenure” this summer after three years of service, because “the current situation doesn’t allow him to further carry out his role in a serene way.”

Ambassador Lescouhier’s wife, Xiang Xueqiu was accused of slapping a shop clerk who believed she had shoplifted the coat she was wearing and wanted to check the label.

Though the 63-year-old Xiang has apologized to the employee and called her actions “unacceptable,” she initially claimed diplomatic immunity to avoid being charged for the offense. This was later waived for an official investigation, which was slowed in early May after Xiang suffered a stroke.

Ambassador Lescouhier also offered a public apology.