S. Korea names Wi Sung-lac as new nuclear envoy

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with Wi's comments, U.S. envoy's planned trip to Seoul)
By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, March 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea on Monday appointed Wi Sung-lac, special
advisor to Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan, as its new chief envoy on the North
Korean nuclear issue, the ministry said.
"I feel a huge sense of responsibility, especially as I take this post at a
difficult time in various aspects," Wi told reporters.
He cited the North's reported preparations for a long-range missile launch and
its underground nuclear test in 2006.
"We should not forget that North Korea conducted a nuclear test," he said. "But I
think we can resolve the issue through negotiations."
Wi served as minister for political affairs at the South Korean Embassy in
Washington from 2004-2007 after leading the foreign ministry's North American
Affairs Bureau from 2003-2004. He is known for his expertise on the U.S. and
North Korean nuclear issues.
The envoy is likely to meet Stephen Bosworth, the new U.S. point man on North
Korea, next week in Seoul. Bosworth is scheduled to visit here from March 7-10.
"I have met Ambassador Bosworth (before), but it would my first meeting (with
him) in my new post," he said, refusing to predict whether the U.S. official will
visit Pyongyang during his upcoming Asia tour.
"As long as his visit to North Korea is helpful for progress in the
denuclearization process, I am not opposed to it," he said.
Wi replaces Kim Sook, who was named deputy director of the National Intelligence
Service.
Born in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Wi studied international relations at
Seoul National University.
Wi served as deputy head of Seoul's delegation to the first round of the six-way
talks in 2003. The talks aimed at ending North Korea's nuclear weapons program
also involve the U.S., China, Russia and Japan.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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