South Korean President Picks New Foreign Minister

South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol picked former vice foreign minister Cho Tae-yul as the country’s new foreign minister and national security advisor Cho Tae-yong as the new spy chief, Yoon’s office said.

Both nominations come as tensions with North Korea have increased this year after Pyongyang launched a spy satellite in November and tested an intercontinental ballistic missile this week.

Speaking to the media, the newly nominated foreign minister said he felt a “heavy weight on his shoulders” at a time of major geopolitical shifts, also citing growing US-China competition and the Ukraine war.

“I will make an utmost effort to strengthen the foundation for national security and prosperity,” said Cho Tae-yul, who is a veteran diplomat and a former ambassador to the United Nations.

Meanwhile, the new pick to become director of the National Intelligence Service Cho Tae-yong who is also a career diplomat vowed to present accurate information at the right time to help the country make the right decisions.

REUTERS/Christopher Ojilere