Harris Sidesteps Trump Concerns, Skirts Direct Mention to President, Sparks Debate
Donald Trump to Visit Gyeongju for APEC Summit
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Seoul to attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, in late October. This visit is seen as a significant step demonstrating Trump's diplomatic engagement in the Asia-Pacific region. In particular, the APEC summit is a key forum for major countries to discuss and promote regional economic cooperation and prosperity, and Trump's attendance is expected to be an opportunity to highlight U.S. economic leadership. Trump is expected to meet with leaders of major countries at the summit to exchange views on a wide range of issues, including economic issues and security matters. The South Korean government welcomes Trump's visit and is making every effort to ensure a successful meeting. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also plans to hold a bilateral meeting with Trump to reaffirm the strong ROK-U.S. alliance and engage in in-depth discussions on issues of common interest.
Trump's visit to South Korea is also expected to have a significant impact on the situation on the Korean Peninsula. International cooperation efforts to resolve the North Korean issue are expected to be emphasized, and Trump is expected to focus on adjusting the level of pressure on North Korea and creating momentum for resuming dialogue through consultations with relevant countries during the APEC summit. In addition, Trump is expected to further strengthen economic cooperation with South Korea and seek ways to resolve trade imbalances between the two countries. The South Korean government plans to use Trump's visit as an opportunity to expand U.S. investment and strengthen cooperation in advanced technology fields.
Joseph Yun, Chargé d'Affaires at U.S. Embassy in Seoul, to Conclude Tenure
Joseph Yun, who was appointed Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul on January 10, will conclude his tenure in Seoul on October 26, 2025. Yun has been recognized for his efforts to develop ROK-U.S. relations during his tenure, particularly for his contributions to promoting cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as economy and security. He has played an important role in maintaining the strong ROK-U.S. alliance by communicating closely with South Korean government officials during his term. Yun's sudden departure has caused some ripples in diplomatic circles, and attention is focused on the appointment of his successor.
Kevin Kim is being strongly considered as Joseph Yun's successor. Kim is currently the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs and is regarded as having a deep understanding of Korean Peninsula issues as a Korean-American. He previously worked as an aide to Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty and also served under then-Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun in the early days of the Trump administration, working on North Korea policy-related matters. In particular, he is known to have played a role in important phases of U.S.-North Korea relations, working behind the scenes on North Korea policy from 2018 to 2020. If Kevin Kim is appointed Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, ROK-U.S. relations are expected to be further strengthened.
Kevin Kim Emerges as Leading Candidate for U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Seoul
Kevin Kim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, is increasingly likely to become the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Seoul, succeeding Joseph Yun. Kim is a Korean-American who is considered to have considerable influence within the United States. He previously served as an aide to Republican Senator Bill Hagerty and has developed expertise in Korean Peninsula issues while working on North Korea-related issues under then-Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun during the Trump administration. In particular, he is known to have played an important role in various phases of U.S.-North Korea relations, handling North Korea policy from 2018 to 2020. His experience is expected to have a positive impact not only on ROK-U.S. relations but also on resolving the North Korean issue.
Kevin Kim is also known to be highly trusted within the Republican Party. He has been active in the diplomatic field since the Trump administration, and is regarded as having made reasonable policy proposals based on a deep understanding of the North Korean issue. He is also known to be adept at understanding and communicating the cultural differences between South Korea and the United States as a Korean-American. These strengths are expected to play an important role in further developing ROK-U.S. relations and contributing to the establishment of peace on the Korean Peninsula as U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in Seoul. If Kevin Kim is appointed Chargé d'Affaires in Seoul, he is expected to further strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance and actively support efforts to resume dialogue with North Korea.
