Statement on Foreign Reports of 'Resignation Plans'... Embassy: "Korea Is the Best Posting for a U.S. Ambassador"
[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] In response to foreign media reports that the U.S. Embassy in Korea is discussing Ambassador Harry Harris's resignation plans, the embassy stated that Ambassador Harris's commitment to strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance remains unchanged.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Korea said on the 9th, "Ambassador Harris is performing his duties according to the President's wishes and continues to actively serve the United States."
The spokesperson added, "We would like to inform you that Ambassador Harris's determination to contribute to strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance remains unchanged through active communication with the Korean government officials, the excellent Korean people, and an independent press."
Major foreign media previously reported, citing sources, from Seoul that Harry Harris, the U.S. Ambassador to Korea, is discussing resignation plans. It was conveyed that he privately expressed he does not plan to stay in Korea beyond the U.S. presidential election in November.
According to the report, a source said Ambassador Harris hoped to remain in Korea only until November, even if U.S. President Donald Trump succeeds in his re-election. Harris was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Korea in July 2018.
Foreign media noted, "Previous U.S. Ambassadors to Korea typically served about three years and enjoyed building friendships with Koreans," but highlighted that during Harris's tenure, conflicts between Korea and the U.S. intensified.
The source said, "Ambassador Harris will not publicly say that he is stressed or that life is difficult," adding, "He is a four-star general and has been through a lot." The source continued, "However, no one likes working for people who do not appreciate their efforts, and it is not appropriate for a deeply bonded ally to hurl racially discriminatory insults."
In January, Ambassador Harris told foreign reporters that he has been a target of criticism in Korea because he is of Japanese descent, saying, "For some reason, my beard seems to have become a kind of fascination here. I am criticized in the media, especially on social media, because of my racial background, particularly being Japanese American."
Ambassador Harris, born to a Japanese American mother and a U.S. military father stationed in Japan, served as the U.S. Navy Pacific Commander before being appointed as Ambassador to Korea in July 2018. He said he grew a mustache to commemorate the start of his new life as a diplomat.
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