Gulf Tensions Rise... South Korean Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Post Vacant

Embassy Operating Under a Chargé d'Affaires
Response Needed as Local Crisis Deepens

As a series of attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels forced the closure of the international airport in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Saudi Arabia is responding under a chargé d'affaires after former Ambassador Kang Shincheol returned to Korea. While a chargé d'affaires can perform the role of head of mission and contact local authorities, concerns have been raised that the official may face limits in securing meetings with senior figures, such as ministers.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other sources on October 13, the minister-counselor at the Korean Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been serving as chargé d'affaires since former Ambassador Kang Shincheol moved to the post of defense minister. Kang was nominated as a candidate on August 31 and began work in Korea in early September to prepare for his confirmation hearing, leaving the post of ambassador to Saudi Arabia vacant for more than a month and a half.

As instability grows in the Gulf region, some say the ambassador's role is important in enabling swift discussions with senior Saudi officials on protecting Korean residents and responding to local emergencies. "Having a head of mission naturally makes it easier to gain access to senior officials," a diplomatic source said. "In a situation like this, having a head of mission also helps Korean residents feel reassured."

Appointments of heads of mission generally require not only candidate selection and internal approval, but also the host country's prior consent, known as agrément. Obtaining agrément alone can typically take one or two months, and the entire process may take two to three months or longer.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, asked about the appointment of a new ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said, "The personnel department is likely proceeding with the situation in mind." The official added, "Given the difficult circumstances in Saudi Arabia, we are working to minimize the period the post remains vacant." However, no successor has yet been named, and it is unclear whether agrément has been granted.

The Houthi rebels attacked King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 and 11, local time, killing a total of 14 people. Saudi authorities extended the airport's suspension of operations through October 17. No casualties among Korean residents have been reported. No Korean residents are believed to live near the airport.

Another Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said, "We are monitoring the situation and staying in contact not only with our mission in Saudi Arabia, but also with other missions, including those in Yemen and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)." The South Korean Embassy in Yemen is operating from a temporary mission in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Saudi education authorities recently ordered all schools in Riyadh to close for a week amid worsening conditions in the Middle East. The Riyadh Korean School was also reportedly closed through October 1.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.