Ex-foreign minister poised to take up role as new envoy to US

Former Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha attends an event in Washington on Aug. 25, 2025. Yonhap

SEOUL, September 17 (AJP) - Former Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha is soon expected to officially assume her post as South Korea's ambassador to the U.S.

National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said on Wednesday that Washington has completed its agrément procedures for her appointment.

Kang served as the country's first female foreign minister under former President Moon Jae-in, working with top U.S. officials during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term from 2017 to 2021. She also served as a senior adviser at the United Nations (UN) and also headed New York-based think tank Asia Society, which fosters relations between the U.S. and Asian countries.

Kang, who accompanied President Lee Jae-myung to Washington last month for his first summit with Trump, is expected to join him again at the UN General Assembly's annual high-level session in New York next week, where world leaders will gather.

AJP