Seoul: Kevin Kim, a former deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. State Department, has been officially appointed as the acting U.S. ambassador to South Korea, as announced by the U.S. Embassy in South Korea on Monday. Kim's role involves advancing mutual interests between the two nations, reflecting a commitment to strengthening their bilateral alliance.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. Embassy emphasized that Charge d'Affaires Kim will collaborate closely with the embassy team and the Republic of Korea (ROK) government to promote shared values and reinforce the U.S.-ROK Alliance. The embassy highlighted Kim's appointment as a step towards bolstering shared security, increasing South Korean investment in the American economy, and enhancing cooperation on various common concerns.
Kim brings extensive experience to his new role, having previously served as the deputy assistant secretary for Japan, Korea, and Mongolia at the State Department. His career also includes positions as a professional staff member on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a national security fellow in Senator Bill Hagerty's office. The embassy expressed its "deep appreciation" for the outgoing acting Ambassador Joseph Yun, acknowledging his contributions during his tenure.