Seoul: The government has mandated that ambassadors to key nations, including the United States and Japan, appointed by former President Yoon Suk Yeol, step down, as per customary practice, diplomatic sources revealed.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the government issued orders late last month for several top envoys to return, including Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong, Ambassador to Japan Park Cheol-hee, Ambassador to Russia Lee Do-hoon, and Ambassador to the United Nations Hwang Joon-kook. Also on the list are Ambassador to France Moon Seoung-hyun and Ambassador to Britain Yoon Yeo-cheol.

Ambassador to China Chung Jae-ho had already returned earlier due to alleged abuse of authority and other reasons. Apart from Chung and Park, who come from academic backgrounds, the other envoys are either retired or currently serving senior career diplomats appointed by Yoon.

A foreign ministry official stated that it is customary for a new administration to replace ambassadors to major countries upon taking office. "It has been customary to conduct a reassessment of overseas envoys following the launch of a new administration," the official remarked.

The action is perceived as a decisive measure by the new Lee Jae Myung government, established in June, to replace the ambassadors, based on the perspective that it is inappropriate for envoys appointed by the ousted president to continue in their roles. Yoon was impeached and removed from office following a failed attempt to impose martial law.

Due to the time involved in the diplomatic process of securing a host country's consent for a new ambassador's appointment, known as "agrement," deputy ambassadors are expected to oversee the embassies in an acting capacity.