I am an editorial writer at The Korea Times, focusing on foreign policy, North Korea and domestic politics. My key areas of interest include North Korea, foreign interference in elections, election integrity, cyberattacks and human rights. Prior to joining the Editorial Board, I served as both Politics Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. During my career, I have reported on the Presidential Office under the Lee Myung-bak administration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly.
New foreign minister vows reform, stricter job performance assessment
By Kang Hyun-kyung
New Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kim Sung-hwan said Friday he would put top priority on strengthening merit-based recruitment and strict job performance assessments in an effort to repair the ministry’s tarnished image due to a nepotism scandal.
The top diplomat also pledged to introduce the so-called “total diplomacy” approach to better handle the tough foreign policy environment facing the country, which he called "a middle power" state.
Analysts said Kim is faced with the daunting task of rebuilding the ministry’s image and setting up an effective strategy to make sure the nation’s interests are met.
In a speech to his staffers, Kim pledged to apply strict standards when assessing the job performance of senior diplomats so that only selectively-chosen people can be called upon to serve as ambassadors to foreign nations.
“I am planning to strengthen educational programs for diplomats to help them sharpen their skills. I will also implement strict guidelines in assessing job performance so that those who are falling behind can be eliminated,” he said.
Kim indicated that he would remove discriminatory practices that had impeded equal opportunity in the recruitment and promotion of diplomats.
Under the new foreign policy approach, the new foreign minister noted that people from all sectors, including lawmakers, business leaders and civic group activists, should join hands to keep the national interest intact.
“I and my colleagues in the foreign ministry will fully support their activities,” Kim said.
His remarks come as the United States, China and Japan _ all of which are critical to South Korea _ have become engaged in diplomatic spats.
Tensions between China and Japan over disputed waters show few signs of relenting even after Japan freed a Chinese ship’s captain in September.
The United States and China hardened their stances over China’s foreign exchange policy.
As a top diplomat, Kim is also responsible for making the upcoming G20 Seoul Summit next month run smoothly.
On his first day as foreign minister, he had “interactive talks” with his staffers, instead of reading through a lengthy manuscript prepared for him, in an attempt to listen to their frank opinions.
Since joining the foreign ministry in 1977 as an entry-level diplomat, Kim worked at the Korean Embassy in Russia, headed the North American bureau, and served as ambassador to Austria.
Prior to rejoining the foreign ministry as minister, he served as senior presidential secretary on security and foreign affairs for two years.
His areas of expertise include Russia and the United States.