[K-Women Talk] The Ambassadorial Post Is Not a Reward for Political Merits

Not a Ceremonial Post, but the Front Line of Diplomacy
Appoint Ambassadors with Expertise and a Sense of Mission

South Korea's diplomatic landscape is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain. The intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China, the intertwining of emerging security, climate, and technology alliances, and the evolving diplomatic environment have turned the field into a battleground for safeguarding national interests-a high-level equation with no easy solutions.

An ambassador is not merely a 'national representative,' but rather a field commander who designs and defends the country's interests on the ground. Nevertheless, since the current administration took office, dozens of ambassadorial posts have remained vacant. The absence of leadership on the diplomatic front lines translates directly into gaps in protecting national interests. Recent incidents, such as the arrest of hundreds of workers in Georgia, United States, and cases involving online crimes, detention, and deaths in Cambodia, have underscored the critical importance of preemptive and responsive diplomatic systems. When an ambassador is absent or fails to fulfill their role, the control tower that protects citizens' lives and rights in times of crisis disappears.

In particular, for the commitments made at the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to yield tangible results, the leadership of ambassadors equipped with expertise and sound judgment to implement these agreements on the ground is absolutely essential. An ambassador is not simply someone who hosts diplomatic events; they are the executor and coordinator of diplomacy, as well as the commander in crisis management.

Yet, there are reports that political and academic figures are lining up for more than 80 vacant ambassadorial positions, mistakenly viewing the role as one that is all about prestige. In reality, the diplomatic field is a fierce battleground where national interests collide, and the ambassador stands at the very center. Ambassadors must engage simultaneously with local governments, businesses, and media, using diplomatic language and a deep understanding of both the host country and global affairs. An ambassador's ignorance or missteps can reverse the direction of national interests that have taken years to build. There have been more than a few politically appointed ambassadors in past administrations who were criticized for turning back the clock on diplomacy. The role of ambassador is not an honorary position; it is an extreme and demanding job.

Of course, in the United States, it is customary for about 30% of ambassadorial posts to be filled through political appointments, but the context is entirely different. The U.S. president wields immense international influence, and when a close confidant or someone with political trust is appointed as ambassador, the host country interprets it as a direct line to the White House. In these cases, the day-to-day diplomatic operations are handled by veteran career diplomats serving as deputy ambassadors, ensuring professional expertise is maintained.

South Korea's diplomatic reality is different. The president of South Korea does not occupy the same central position in international politics as the U.S. president. Therefore, sending ambassadors based on political connections only increases diplomatic risks. This is why, with the exception of the United States, virtually all major diplomatic powers-including China, Russia, Japan, the United Kingdom, as well as countries like those in Northern Europe and Brazil-do not make political appointments. While there have been a few successful politically appointed ambassadors in the past, such as former Prime Ministers Lee Hongkoo and Han Seungsoo, it is important to remember that they already possessed significant diplomatic capability and expertise.

Diplomacy is ultimately a game of trust and expertise. The key issue is not whether someone is a career diplomat, but whether they can devise strategies suited to the field, set agendas, manage organizations, and coordinate crises based on national goals and strategies. This is why the recent appointment of a non-expert as ambassador to the United Nations is cause for concern. The role of ambassador is not about appearances; it is about standing on the front lines of crisis and negotiation every day as a field commander. Forcing someone into a role that does not suit them ultimately burdens the entire nation. The way to fill gaps in diplomacy begins with appointing ambassadors who possess both professional expertise and a sense of duty.

Park Eunha, Former Ambassador to the United Kingdom

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.