Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung has appointed an Ajou University professor as the new head of the National Diplomatic Academy, a presidential spokesperson said Friday. Kim Heung-kyu, a professor of politics and diplomacy at Ajou University, was named to head the academy, with expertise in East Asian diplomacy and security issues, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee also appointed Kim Tai-yoo, an engineering professor at Seoul National University, as vice chair of the presidential committee on rationalizing regulations. The appointments reflect the administration's focus on integrating academic expertise into governmental roles, particularly in areas concerning diplomacy and regulatory reform.