Korea Steps Up Efforts to Win UN Security Council Seat

Korea is seeking to win a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which has the wide-ranging powers in disputes that threaten international peace and security.

Korea had a non-permanent seat on the council in 1996 and 1997 and hopes to return for a new two-year term.

Cambodia and Bhutan are also vying for the one seat designated for Asian nations, and the UN is scheduled to vote on the matter next month.

Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan, who is currently in New York for the 67th UN General Assembly session, is stepping up efforts to persuade UN member states to give Korea the needed two-thirds majority.