A Cheong Wa Dae official speaking on condition of anonymity said President Lee has designated Kwon Chul-hyun as ambassador to Japan. Kwon is a lawmaker for the Grand National Party and was previously the deputy chairman of a Korea-Japan parliamentary friendship association.

The source said the new ambassador to China is Shin Jung-seung, who formerly served as the country's ambassador to New Zealand and as a diplomatic minister in Beijing.

Ambassador to the U.S. Lee Tae-sik and Ambassador to Russia Lee Kyu-hyung will remain at their posts.

The source could not officially confirm the appointments until related nations have been notified.

Arirang News