【Report by Li Ziyu】”As the United States President Donald Trump raises tariffs, global tensions escalate, South Korea is facing diplomatic predicaments due to a critical ambassadorial vacancy.” According to a report by the Korean “Korea Herald” on July 30th, as of mid-July, South Korean President Moon Jae-in has ordered the recall of more than 30 foreign diplomats appointed by former President Yoon Suk-yeol, including Ambassadors to China, the United States, Japan, and Russia. “This marks the first time in modern South Korean diplomatic history that four of the most important ambassadorial positions are simultaneously vacant,” said the report.
The situation has further complicated matters when it comes to the recall of ambassadors to the United Nations, the UK, France, Israel, the UAE, and Hungary, with the South Korean government yet to appoint successors. Analysts have warned that this vacancy could last for weeks or even months, potentially weakening its international standing amidst an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
The “Korea Herald” highlighted that the current predicament in terms of diplomacy has “an immediate impact.” The report cited examples of how, with the potential imposition of a 25% tariff on imported products from South Korea and a reassessment of the role of US troops stationed in South Korea, Seoul now lacks a crucial communication channel in Washington. Analysts pointed out that an experienced and well-connected ambassador is not only crucial for high-level contacts but also can influence negotiation processes through informal channels. Without such an ambassador, Seoul would be at a disadvantage in affecting US decisions.
As of July 29th, the Lee Jae-in administration had not submitted any nominations for South Korean ambassadors’ successors to the United States, Japan, China, or Russia. It seems that nominations for other countries’ ambassadors have not reached the final stage either. Given the need for review, approval, and confirmation, analysts expect key ambassadorial positions to remain vacant until this fall.
The actions taken by the Lee Jae-in administration have raised concerns within South Korea. A former Deputy Foreign Minister stated, “Ambassadors represent the nation. Recalling them without proper handover will undermine diplomatic norms and affect the continuity of diplomatic work at critical moments.” Professor Park Yun-kun from Korea University of International Studies remarked, “Diplomacy is more important than ever before… But at this critical moment, we have lost our most important voice abroad… This move is utterly unrealistic.”