Opposition Lawmaker Criticizesโ Lee jae-myung’s UN Ambassadorโข Appointment
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – Representative Na Kyung-won sharply criticizedโค the appointmentโข of a lawyer with no diplomatic experience as South Korea’s next United Nationsโค ambassador, allegingโฃ the decision prioritizes personal loyalty over national โฃinterests. Na accused Lee Jae-myung of selecting โขa “personal โBo-eun” for the crucial โUN Security Council post, marking the first time as 1990 a non-diplomat has been nominated for the role.
The โคappointment has ignited debateโฃ over the qualifications required for such a sensitive position, particularly given the complexities of international negotiations and the need for experienced representation on the global stage. The UN Ambassadorโ serves as โa key figure in articulating Southโ Korea’s position on critical โissues, engaging โขwith international โฃcounterparts – including North korean ambassadors – and safeguarding nationalโ interests. Na contendsโค that the role โขdemands a seasoned diplomat capable of navigating high-stakes discussions.
Na furtherโข stated the UN Ambassador position is traditionally a ministerial-level courtesyโค post, questioning whether the nominee possessesโค the necessary skills to effectively represent South Korea at the United Nations. โ”Is this personโฆ able to deal with heavy duties to shoot โคnational interests at the international negotiation table?” โฃshe asked.
the lawmaker argued that the UN ambassadorship shouldโฃ not be treated as “loot” for aโฃ private lawyer and called for โan immediate withdrawal of theโข nomination. โShe warned that continuing with โthe appointment risks turning Korean diplomacy into a source โof international ridicule. Na also raised concerns about a pattern of appointing individuals connectedโฃ to Lee โคJae-myung to key government positions without adequate vetting or demonstrable qualifications,โข suggesting a broaderโค issue of prioritizing loyalty overโค competence within the administration.