South Korea’s Diplomatic Shuffle: Park Yong-maan Named Special Envoy to the U.S.

Park Yong-maan, a veteran business leader and former chairman of South Korea’s Doosan Group, has been tapped to head a delegation of special envoys to the United States, the presidential office announced Thursday.

Park, 70, who previously led the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will be joined by Democratic Party of Korea lawmakers Han Jun-ho and Kim Woo-young, according to Woo Sang-ho, senior presidential secretary for political affairs.

Woo, however, noted that the timing of the envoys’ U.S. visit remains unconfirmed. He did not disclose details about their potential American counterparts.

The announcement came during a press briefing following a private luncheon between President Lee Jae Myung and veteran politician Kim Chong-in.

Kim, an 85-year-old political veteran who has served as interim leader for both major parties, was initially considered for the role of special envoy to the U.S. However, this decision was later reversed, Woo explained, adding that he had sought Kim’s understanding when the latter arrived at Lee’s office for lunch.

This latest appointment follows the recent dispatch of special envoys to the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, and India, who embarked on their respective missions earlier this week from Monday to Wednesday.