Ahead of Speculated U.S.-North Korea Contact in April, Kevin Kim, U.S. Charg? d'Affaires, Returns to Washington

Kevin Kim, former Charg? d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, reportedly returned to the United States last month. As speculation grows that President Donald Trump may attempt to make contact with North Korea during his visit to China scheduled for April, attention is focusing on the reasons behind Kim's unexpectedly early return.

Kevin Kim, Former Charg? d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Korea. Yonhap News Agency

On January 7, the U.S. Embassy in Korea announced on its website that James Heller, Deputy Chief of Mission, would serve as Charg? d'Affaires. The official ambassador post has remained vacant for a year since former Ambassador Philip Goldberg departed in January of last year. In the interim, former Charg? d'Affaires Joseph Yun filled the role for about ten months, while Kim returned after serving only two months.

The position of U.S. Ambassador to Korea requires confirmation by the U.S. Senate, which can be a lengthy process. Therefore, it is not unusual for there to be a prolonged vacancy during a change of administration. During President Trump's first term, there was also a precedent when the position remained vacant for about a year and a half before former Ambassador Harry Harris officially took office.

Nevertheless, questions remain as to why Kim returned so suddenly, leaving the embassy under the acting leadership of the Deputy Chief of Mission without a designated successor. Some observers are focusing on the timing, just before President Trump's visit to China. For President Trump to attempt contact with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his April visit, working-level discussions would be necessary to negotiate the conditions and format for resuming dialogue. Kim previously served as Chief of Staff to Stephen Biegun, the U.S. Special Representative for North Korea, during the 2018-2020 period of U.S.-North Korea talks, participating in negotiations at the working level. After arriving in Korea last November ahead of President Trump's visit, Kim reportedly earned trust while coordinating the related schedule. A government source familiar with U.S. affairs commented, "It seems that Kim was needed for a role at headquarters in the United States."

There is also speculation that Kim may take on the role of advisor to Allison Hooker, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs. Hooker was also deeply involved in North Korea negotiations during President Trump's first term. Analysts suggest that President Trump is forming a "second-term negotiation team" centered on individuals with experience in North Korea negotiations.