Ambassador Sung Kim
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has confirmed the appointment of the first Korean American to become U.S. ambassador to South Korea.
Career diplomat Sung Kim previously served as special envoy for six-nation talks on North Korea’s nuclear program.
His confirmation on Oct. 13 came during a state visit by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, after a Republican senator blocking the appointment lifted his objection.
Kim replaces Kathleen Stephens as ambassador.
Lee’s visit also expedited congressional approval of a long-delayed U.S.-South Korean trade agreement.
Kim’s confirmation follows the August appointment of the first Chinese American to serve as U.S. Ambassador to China, former commerce secretary Gary Locke. (end)