Former lawmaker named ambassador to Russia

By Kim Rahn

Woo Yoon-keun

President Moon Jae-in has tapped National Assembly Secretary-General Woo Yoon-keun as ambassador to Russia, Cheong Wa Dae said Tuesday.

The government had sought Russia’s approval for the appointment of the former ruling party lawmaker.

“He was a lawyer specializing in trade with China and Russia,” presidential spokesman Park Soo-hyun said. “As a lawmaker, he led a study group within the Assembly about Northeast Asia and parliamentary activities on cooperation with Russia.

“We believe he can help Korea expand economic cooperation with Russia for areas such as energy, as well as diplomatic cooperation in resolving North Korea’s nuclear issue.”

Woo obtained his Ph.D. in law at Chonnam National University and his master’s degree in political science at Saint-Petersburg State University.

The former three-term lawmaker held various positions in the ruling party, including floor leader of the New Politics Alliance for Democracy, predecessor of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).

With Woo’s nomination, Moon has selected the ambassadors to four major countries: Cho Yoon-je for the U.S., Noh Young-min for China and Lee Su-hoon for Japan.

All are non-career diplomats, who worked for Moon’s camp either during the 2012 or the 2017 elections.