By AKIHIKO KAISE/ Correspondent
August 20, 2025 at 17:05 JST
SEOUL—The South Korean government has reportedly selected seasoned diplomats Lee Hyuk and Kang Kyung-wha as the country’s next ambassadors to Japan and the United States, respectively, according to local media.
The appointments precede President Lee Jae-myung’s planned visits to the two countries starting Aug. 23, prompting speculation that the choices were made with urgency to reinforce diplomatic efforts.
Lee Hyuk, tapped for the Tokyo post, is a veteran diplomat with deep ties to Japan. He has previously served as minister at the South Korean Embassy in Tokyo, as well as ambassador to Vietnam and the Philippines.
Within the Foreign Ministry, he held key roles, including serving as director of the regional bureau for Asia-Pacific and head of a division responsible for Northeast Asia.
Known as one of South Korea’s top “Japan experts,” Lee’s selection is widely seen as a move to bring stability to the often tense Tokyo-Seoul relationship.
Named ambassador to the United States, Kang Kyung-wha served as foreign minister under the Moon Jae-in administration, a progressive government like the current one.
She was involved in high-stakes diplomacy between Seoul and Washington during U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term.
The South Korean presidential office confirmed that ambassadorship nominations had been finalized but withheld the names, citing pending formal procedures.
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Lee Hyuk, a diplomat known for his deep ties to Japan, has reportedly been appointed as South Korea’s next ambassador to Tokyo. (Provided by The Dong-A Ilbo)
