[Exclusive] Kim Dae-gi Bound by Martial Law "No Voluntary Withdrawal"... Prolonged Vacancy of Ambassador to China

Kim Dae-gi, former presidential chief of staff who was nominated as the next ambassador to China but whose appointment was delayed following the '12·3 Emergency Martial Law Incident,' has made it clear that he has no intention of stepping down voluntarily.

Kim Dae-gi, former Chief of Staff to the President. Photo by Yonhap News

In a phone interview with Asia Economy on the 4th, Kim said about the delay in his appointment as ambassador to China, "The situation has become strangely complicated," adding, "I am fully prepared to take up the post, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make the decision." When asked about withdrawing his nomination voluntarily, he said, "The agrement (host country’s consent to the appointment of a diplomatic envoy) has already been granted, and this is a national position that I cannot buy or sell," effectively refusing the idea by stating, "How could a responsible person withdraw?"

At the end of last month, Choi Sang-mok, acting Prime Minister and Minister of Strategy and Finance, carried out personnel appointments for overseas missions that had been delayed due to the martial law aftermath, but China was excluded. Although there was an interpretation that being left off the list despite completing all the necessary procedures for ambassadorial appointment was a 'message,' Kim reiterated his willingness to assume the post.

As the second Trump administration in the United States took office, major issues such as tariffs and North Korea-US negotiations have followed, leaving the China diplomacy, a key pillar of the 'Four Powers Diplomacy,' in a state of vacancy. The predecessor, former ambassador to China Jung Jae-ho, returned to Korea at the end of last month. Ultimately, the vacancy is expected to continue until the impeachment trial results are announced.

In diplomatic circles, the consensus is that if President Yoon is impeached, it will be difficult for former Chief of Staff Kim to assume the post of ambassador to China. Following last year’s case of former ambassador to Australia Lee Jong-seop, there is concern that the agrement could be revoked again due to domestic political issues, which would be considered a diplomatic faux pas toward the host country.