[2025 Audit] Qualifications of UN Ambassador Jaehun Cha Under Scrutiny... Cho Hyun Says "Underwent Rigorous Screening"

On October 13, during the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's audit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other agencies, questions were raised regarding the qualifications of Jaehun Cha, the new South Korean Ambassador to the United Nations. Ambassador Cha, who took office last month, is a law school classmate of President Lee Jaemyung and previously served as his defense attorney in a public election law violation case.

Jaehun Cha, Ambassador to the United Nations Photo by Yonhap News

The opposition People Power Party stated that it had attempted to have Ambassador Cha appear as a witness via video link during the audit, but this was blocked by the ruling Democratic Party, which did not accept the request.

Kim Geon, a member of the People Power Party and secretary of the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, said, "A significant number of citizens have doubts about whether Ambassador Cha can effectively fulfill the important role of UN Ambassador," adding, "Even after tonight's final round of questioning, I urge the ruling party to reach an agreement so that Ambassador Cha can appear as a witness via video and dispel these suspicions."

Kim Gi-hyeon, another People Power Party lawmaker, also remarked, "We requested documents regarding the results of Ambassador Cha's qualification review, but they have not been provided," and pointed out, "The triangular connection involving Kim Hyunji (First Secretary to the President) and Jaehun Cha has raised many suspicions among the public, so it is only natural that he should appear and provide an explanation."

On the other hand, Kim Youngbae, the Democratic Party's secretary on the committee, countered, "In Ambassador Cha's case, it has already been agreed that he will appear when the audit is conducted in New York, where the UN headquarters is located," and added, "The People Power Party demanded his video appearance today without any justification, and when asked for the grounds for his appearance, they could not provide any."

Regarding the matter, Minister of Foreign Affairs Cho Hyun stated, when asked about the vetting of Ambassador Cha's qualifications, "He underwent a rigorous screening process for diplomatic postings."