Despite not being a career diplomat or a key political figure, Roh, 60, has engaged in various activities related to China including serving as an adviser to an international council of the Chinese city of Chengdu in 2016 and participating in exchange programs to foster ties with Beijing through his role as director of the East Asia Culture Center in Seoul.
His surprise appointment comes after he traveled to Beijing last month as part of an entourage delivering a letter from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the visit, he met senior officials, including Vice President Han Zheng.
If confirmed, he will become the first envoy to China under the Lee administration.
He is expected to assume the post as soon as agrément procedures from China are finalized.
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