S. Korea's new envoy to China set to begin work

By Lee Chi-dong
SEOUL, Dec. 2 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's new ambassador to China is expected to
begin work next week after Beijing gave its consent to the appointment earlier
than expected, diplomatic sources here said Wednesday.
President Lee Myung-bak picked Yu Woo-ik, one of his closest aides, as Seoul's
top envoy to Beijing in mid-November to replace Shin Jung-seung, a move that
apparently reflects Lee's intention to pay more attention to China. South Korean
ambassadors usually serve three years in their assigned countries, though Shin, a
career diplomat, worked in Beijing for less than two years.
Critics have claimed that the Lee administration, preoccupied with bolstering its
alliance with the U.S., has been relatively negligent in improving relations with
China, South Korea's biggest trading partner. China also wields the most
influence over North Korea.
"The Chinese government gave an unusually quick diplomatic agreement to the
appointment of Yu on Nov. 30," a source said. It took about two weeks for Seoul
to receive the agreement. China is known for its slow process in such matters,
leaving governments waiting more than a month for approval of new ambassadors.
China appears to have taken into account Yu's status and influence in South
Korean politics. He served as presidential chief of staff in 2008 and is said to
be an architect of the current government's major policies.
He stepped down from the post of presidential chief of staff in June last year
due to public uproar over Seoul's decision to resume imports of American beef.
lcd@yna.co.kr
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