Kim Dae-ki, former chief presidential secretary who was named new ambassador to China / Yonhap
The impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol is fueling debate over the appointment of an ambassador to China, a position typically filled by the president's key aides.
Kim Dae-ki, the former chief presidential secretary, was appointed ambassador to China in October and has already received Beijing's approval.
However, the appointment process has been halted since Yoon's impeachment following his controversial martial law declaration.
For Kim to officially assume the role, his appointment must be approved by the Cabinet, and a letter of credence must be issued by the president. While Yoon's duties have been suspended, there would technically be no issue for acting President Han Duck-soo to carry out the process in Yoon's place.
However, this could raise concerns about the appropriateness of appointing to such a critical diplomatic role someone who has been a close ally of the impeached president.
The situation is further complicated by worsening ties between Korea and China, particularly after Yoon's recent remarks referring to Chinese nationals caught in Korea as "spies," which have significantly strained relations with Beijing.
In a Dec. 12 address, where Yoon attempted to justify his martial law declaration, he referenced two incidents in which Chinese nationals were caught filming high-security installations in Korea, claiming these actions posed a threat to national security. The president also said Chinese-made solar power facilities would destroy forests in the country.
His remarks drew immediate protest from the Chinese government, with its foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning saying, "We are surprised by those comments and find them deeply upsetting. We absolutely oppose the ROK side associating its domestic affairs with Chinese elements, amplifying unfounded 'Chinese spy' accusations and throwing mud at normal economic and trade cooperation." ROK stands for the Republic of Korea, Korea's official name.
The timing of Kim's appointment is also contentious. If the Constitutional Court upholds the National Assembly's impeachment motion against Yoon, the nation will hold a presidential election. As it is customary for a new president to appoint new ambassadors to major countries, even if Kim takes the post, his term might be short-lived if the election is held.
Some critics say Kim might voluntarily step down. However, an extended vacancy of the ambassadorial post could impact Korea's diplomatic relations with China, including efforts to arrange a visit by its President Xi Jinping during the APEC summit in Korea next year.
The current Korean ambassador, Chung Jae-ho, was planning to finish his term and return to Seoul by Dec. 30. However, amid the situation, his return could be delayed.
Regarding the controversy over Kim's appointment, the Chinese Embassy here said Beijing has already issued its approval
"This is a matter that needs to be resolved internally within Korea," an official at the embassy in Seoul told The Korea Times.
"We are currently preparing for the arrival of the new ambassador and making all the necessary preparations, but we don't know when he will be able to come," the official said.