Seoul: Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Joseph Yun will vacate his position on Friday, as confirmed by the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. This transition comes approximately nine months after Yun took on the role to fill the vacancy prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump's administration.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the embassy announced on its X account, "Ambassador Joseph Yun, who has served for nearly a year as Charg© d'Affaires, ad interim, at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, will depart his position on October 24." The statement from the State Department acknowledged Yun's contributions, expressing gratitude for his leadership and efforts in advancing U.S. interests and reinforcing the strong U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance.

This development corroborates prior media reports suggesting that Washington intends to replace Yun in anticipation of President Trump's forthcoming visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for next week. Diplomatic sources have indicated that U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Kevin Kim is expected to temporarily succeed Yun in the acting ambassador role.