Seoul shifts veteran diplomats to Washington amid Coupang standoff

South Korea's Foreign Ministry on Friday deployed a cadre of veteran U.S. affairs specialists to its Washington embassy and key bilateral posts as trade and security negotiations with Washington have stalled over the regulatory treatment of e-commerce giant Coupang.

The simultaneous replacement of multiple senior U.S.-facing posts — which analysts describe as unusual — comes as Washington has reportedly curtailed intelligence-sharing with Seoul and bilateral talks remain at an impasse, with potential ripple effects for Korean-American diaspora communities and consular services across the United States.

Kim Sun-young, who had been overseeing the Coupang dispute within the ministry's bilateral economic affairs division, was named minister counselor for economic affairs at the Korean Embassy in Washington, the Korea Times reported Friday. Coupang's parent company is U.S.-headquartered and listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Yi Won-woo, whose career spans North Korean security and intelligence issues, was promoted to director-general of the North American Affairs department. Chun Young-Hee, a former ambassador to Luxembourg, was appointed minister for political affairs at the Washington embassy — a post that had sat vacant for months. Yoon Joo-seok, a former director-general for consular affairs and safety, was assigned minister counselor for public diplomacy at the same embassy.

Both top diplomatic posts in New York were filled by non-career special appointees. Kim Sang-ho, a former mayor of Hanam City, was named to lead the Korean Consulate General there. Cha Ji-hun, a lawyer and former defense attorney for President Lee Jae Myung, was appointed to the Korean mission at the United Nations.

Washington has signaled displeasure with Seoul's handling of Coupang and reportedly suspended some intelligence-sharing with South Korea, while trade and security negotiations between the two allies have stalled. A ministry official told the Korea Times that 43 diplomats have been appointed since Sept. 25.

The ministry denied the reshuffle was driven by tensions with Washington, calling it a routine personnel rotation. "These ambassadorial postings are intended to fully support and implement the Lee Jae Myung administration's practical diplomacy that prioritizes national interests," a ministry official said, according to the Korea Times.

Ambassadors were also named to France, Kuwait and the Geneva diplomatic mission as part of the same personnel round.