[Photo] Lee Soo-hyeok confirmed to become new S. Korean Ambassador to US

Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Soo-hyeok has received an agrément (an agreement by a state to receive members of a diplomatic mission from a foreign country) from the US government, to become the new South Korean Ambassador to the US, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed on Oct 9. Washington provided its consent for Lee’s appointment two months after his nomination, which is longer than usual. Regarding the potential reason for the delay, analysts have pointed to Washington’s displeasure with Seoul’s withdrawal from its General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) with Japan, which the US considers essential to its trilateral alliance in the Pacific for containing Chinese influence. Lee is expected to receive President Moon Jae-in’s official appointment and head to Washington in the near future.