Kevin Kim has been named Chargé d’Affaires, ad interim, at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. Kim brings experience from his previous roles as Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Deputy Assistant Secretary for Japan, Korea, and Mongolia. He also worked as a Professional Staff Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee and served as a national security fellow in the Office of Senator Bill Hagerty.
In his new role in South Korea, Kim will work with embassy staff and the government of the Republic of Korea to promote shared interests and values. The Department of State stated that he will support "our ironclad commitment to the U.S.-ROK Alliance."
The Department also expressed gratitude for Ambassador Yun’s leadership and welcomed Kim’s appointment. According to the statement: "The Department of State expresses its deep appreciation for Ambassador Yun’s leadership and dedication in advancing the United States’ interests and welcomes Chargé d’Affaires Kim’s appointment as the United States continues to strengthen our shared security, encourage increased ROK investment in the American economy, and enhance our cooperation across other areas of common concern."