South Korea was elected Thursday as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, regaining ground to step up its involvement in handling the North Korea issue and other global security challenges.
"South Korea will be able to take leading part in the U.N.'s efforts for world peace and security and holding a seat again on the Security Council is also expected to contribute to the stable management of situations on the Korean Peninsula," Seoul's foreign ministry said in a statement.
South Korea's election, it added, is viewed as reflecting the international community's evaluation of Seoul's role so far and expectation for potential contributions.
South Korea was chosen in the second round of balloting at the U.N. General Assembly, beating Cambodia 149-43. Bhutan was eliminated in the first round.
The three vied for one seat up for grabs in the Asia-Pacific category.
South Korea will serve as a member of the 15-nation council for two years, starting Jan. 1.
It will mark the second time Seoul has taken a temporary seat on the body, following a term in 1996-97.
The Security Council is the U.N.'s top decision-making body, tasked with maintaining world peace.
"If the first term provided lessons on U.N. diplomacy, now is the stage for South Korea to show maturity in both quality and quantity," said Kim Sook, Seoul's ambassador to the U.N. "It would serve as a chance to solidify the stature as a middle power in the international community and expand substantial contributions."
South Korea is scheduled to hold the rotating presidency of the council in February in accordance with alphabetical order.
Four other nations -- Rwanda, Argentina, Australia, and Luxembourg -- also became new members of the council.
The U.S. welcomed the new members.
"We look forward to a strong and productive partnership with these incoming members to address issues fundamental to international peace and security, including nuclear non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, conflict prevention and resolution, promotion of democracy and human rights, and the oversight of complex U.N. field operations," said Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
South Korea has come of age when it comes to its U.N. membership, as it joined the organization in 1991 along with North Korea.
Ban Ki-moon, formerly South Korean foreign minister, is serving as U.N. secretary general. (Yonhap)