Kevin Kim, Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, Departs Post

Kevin Kim, who served as Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, has left his post after just over 70 days. Kim, a noted expert on Korean Peninsula affairs, was expected to play a key role in U.S.-South Korea communication on North Korea policy, but his departure came unexpectedly. However, it is reported that he will move to the United States Department of State (State Department) as an advisor to Allison Hooker, suggesting he will remain involved in U.S. negotiations with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the 7th, the U.S. Embassy in the Republic of Korea officially notified that Kim had returned to Washington, D.C. The embassy also announced on its website that James R. Heller, Deputy Chief of Mission, will serve as Acting Ambassador.
Kim is expected to continue handling Korean Peninsula affairs within the U.S. government.
Diplomatic circles speculate that President Donald Trump may appoint Kim as a working-level official to facilitate contact with Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the DPRK, during Trump's visit to China in April. In this role, Kim would represent the Trump administration in detailed discussions on the conditions and format for resuming dialogue between North Korea and the United States. Kim previously served as chief of staff to Stephen Biegun, Special Representative for North Korea Policy, and participated in working-level negotiations during the 2018–2020 North Korea–U.S. dialogue. He reportedly earned the administration's trust while coordinating President Trump's visit to South Korea last November.
There is also speculation that Kim will serve as an advisor to Allison Hooker at the State Department. Hooker was deeply involved in North Korea negotiations during the first Trump administration. Reports suggest that President Trump is forming a 'second negotiation team' centered on officials with experience in North Korea talks.
Meanwhile, Kim has consistently advocated for the complete denuclearization of the DPRK, at times engaging in subtle tensions with domestic figures such as Chung Dong-young, Minister of Unification (MOU). When the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a U.S.-South Korea policy communication line on North Korea, led by Jung Yeon-doo and Kim as chief representatives, the Ministry of Unification refused to participate, resulting in conflict.


rainman@fnnews.com Kim Kyung-soo Reporter