Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung is contemplating the appointment of Kim Chong-in, a former interim leader of the People Power Party (PPP), as a special envoy to the United States, according to sources familiar with the situation. This move is part of broader diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties and address current geopolitical issues.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Democratic Party lawmakers Lee Un-ju and Kim Woo-young are also being considered for the planned delegation to the U.S. A senior presidential official indicated that discussions regarding the appointments are ongoing, with no final decision made on the list of delegates or the timing of their dispatch.
Woo Sang-ho, the presidential secretary for political affairs, revealed that the presidential office is in consultation with 14 countries concerning the dispatch of special envoys. An official announcement is expected next week, although the number of involved countries may decrease as discussions progress. The primary objective of these envoys is to reassure other nations that South Korea's political situation has stabilized following the martial law declaration and to convey the country's intention to enhance international cooperation.
While the special envoys will not engage in specific negotiations, their presence in the U.S. is anticipated to bolster Seoul's diplomatic efforts in addressing crucial issues. Currently, National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac and Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo are in Washington, focusing on tariffs and alliance-related matters ahead of the expiration of U.S. President Donald Trump's suspension of steep tariffs.
In addition to the U.S. envoy, discussions are underway regarding former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun as a potential special envoy to Japan, and former National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug for China. Kim Jin-pyo, another former parliamentary speaker, is considered for the role of special envoy to Australia, while Rep. Park Jie-won of the ruling Democratic Party is under consideration for Poland.