South Korean expert in Seoul-Tokyo relations, Park Cheol Hee, appointed as South Korea's next ambassador to Japan, pending Japan's approval.

South Korean foreign ministry think tank head Park Cheol Hee, an expert in Seoul-Tokyo relations, has been appointed as South Korea's next ambassador to Japan, if Japan agrees. Park, who heads the Korea National Diplomatic Academy, has broad connections within Japanese political circles and is fluent in Japanese. The appointment comes after previous tensions between the two countries.