Seoul: Cho Hyun, a retired veteran diplomat, has been appointed as the first foreign minister under President Lee Jae Myung's administration. Cho brings extensive experience in multilateral diplomacy and trade affairs to his new role.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho, 68, is recognized for his previous service as both the first and second vice foreign ministers from 2017 to 2019 during former President Moon Jae-in's tenure. Lee's chief of staff, Kang Hoon-sik, highlighted Cho's expertise in trade matters, emphasizing his capacity to address significant issues such as U.S. tariff negotiations and Middle East affairs.
Cho began his diplomatic career in 1979, dedicating much of his time to multilateral diplomacy and trade. He has held various positions in international organizations, including the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the U.N. Industrial Development Organization. Cho played a pivotal role in the early 2000s as a key figure in the free trade agreement negotiations with Japan and served as the chief negotiator for FTA talks with Mexico.
His diplomatic tenure also includes serving as South Korea's ambassador to Austria, the United Nations, and India. Cho hails from Gimje, North Jeolla Province, and holds a bachelor's degree in political science and international relations from Yonsei University.