Korean ambassador to U.S. offers to resign

Han Duk-soo, South Korea’s ambassador to the U.S., has offered to resign on the third anniversary of his term, the government said Thursday.

Han, who took office on Feb. 16, 2009, expressed his intent to step down, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson Cho Byung-jae said. He did not give specific reasons for Han’s resignation.

“His resignation is likely to be accepted,” Cho said.

Han was supposed to attend the week-long meeting of Korean ambassadors working overseas next week, but he will not attend the meeting, according to the ministry.

An official from the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae said Han has repeatedly said he would quit if major procedures of the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement are completed. The agreement was ratified in both countries and is to take effect soon.

“Cheong Wa Dae has started searching for his replacement,” the official said.

Han reportedly will be appointed to chairman of the Korea International Trade Association.

Potential candidates to succeed Han include top presidential security adviser Chun Yung-woo and SaKong Il, former chief of the KITA, news reports said.

Han served as prime minister from 2007 to 2008 and finance minister from 2005 to 2006 under the Roh Moo-hyun administration.

By Kim Yoon-mi (yoonmi@heraldcorp.com)