{"id":2205545,"date":"2024-06-21T17:35:51","date_gmt":"2024-06-21T08:35:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2205545"},"modified":"2024-06-24T14:47:17","modified_gmt":"2024-06-24T05:47:17","slug":"former-admiral-sails-toward-ambassador-post-as-seoul-canberra-ties-deepen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/06\/former-admiral-sails-toward-ambassador-post-as-seoul-canberra-ties-deepen\/","title":{"rendered":"Former admiral sails toward ambassador post as Seoul-Canberra ties deepen"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Yoon Suk-yeol administration <\/span>is<\/span><\/a> reportedly<\/span><\/a> considering<\/span><\/a> Sim Seung-seob, a former chief of naval operations, to fill the vacant ambassador to Australia position.<\/span><\/p>\n

This development comes months after the previous ambassador, former defense minister Lee Jong-sup, resigned less than a month into his tenure due to ongoing investigations into his <\/span>alleged role<\/span><\/a> in a potential coverup of the death of a South Korean marine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sim\u2019s achievements throughout his career have earned him recognition from South Korean progressives and conservatives alike. He brings extensive experience in frontline defense operations and weapons research to the role and aligns with the administration\u2019s focus on strengthening defense cooperation and arms sales between South Korea and Australia, making him a strong candidate for the diplomatic post.<\/span><\/p>\n

Notably, Sim gained prominence as the first official to report North Korea\u2019s <\/span>attack and sinking of the ROKS Cheonan<\/span><\/a> to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) while serving as head of operations at the Naval Operations Command.<\/span><\/p>\n

His background also includes advanced studies in weapons systems development and investment at the Korea National Defense University in the 1990s, further enhancing his qualifications for the ambassadorial role.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Then-President Moon Jae-in appoints Sim as the CNO in July 2018 | Image: ROK Blue House <\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

RAPID RISE THROUGH THE RANKS<\/b><\/p>\n

Sim\u2019s naval career spans four decades, marked by a swift ascent to top leadership positions. In 2018, he achieved the rank of admiral in an unusually short timeframe, rising from vice admiral to full admiral in less than a year.<\/span><\/p>\n

After graduating from the ROK Naval Academy in 1985, Sim held various key positions within the military. These roles included commander of navy education, 1st Fleet commander and chief of information and personnel at Navy Headquarters.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Moon Jae-in administration appointed Sim as chief of naval operations (CNO) in 2018, shortly after his promotion to vice admiral and assignment as head of strategic planning for the JCS in 2017.<\/span><\/p>\n

Throughout his career, Sim pursued advanced education. He earned an M.A. in weapons systems from the Korea National Defense University, focusing his thesis on improving defense technology research and investments. He also completed his Ph.D. coursework in marine security policy at the Korea Maritime and Ocean University.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sim faced brief controversy during his confirmation hearing for CNO regarding his role in reporting the 2010 ROKS Cheonan sinking. The conservative party questioned his initial description of the incident as a likely stranding rather than a North Korean attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sim clarified that he had simply relayed the initial on-site assessment and firmly stated that North Korea must apologize for sinking the corvette and killing 46 ROK sailors. This explanation effectively resolved the controversy.<\/span><\/p>\n

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ROK-Australia summit meeting in May 2023 | Image: ROK Presidential Office<\/p><\/div>\n

SHIFTING POLITICAL ALLEGIANCES<\/b><\/p>\n

Sim\u2019s career reflects a notable transition in political alignment. Initially appointed as CNO by the progressive Moon administration, Sim later allied himself with the conservatives after his retirement from the military.<\/span><\/p>\n

In 2021, Yoon\u2019s presidential election campaign team recruited Sim as a special adviser on national defense. In this role, Sim significantly influenced Yoon\u2019s policy development, particularly regarding North Korea and broader security issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upon joining Yoon\u2019s campaign, Sim publicly criticized the Moon administration\u2019s security policies.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI joined the People Power Party\u2019s campaign team because I fear that if Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party\u2019s candidate, wins the election and continues the Moon Jae-in administration\u2019s failed national defense and security policies, the country will face a grave security situation,\u201d he said at the time.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHY HE MATTERS NOW\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Sim\u2019s potential appointment as South Korea\u2019s ambassador to Australia carries significant implications for the Yoon administration\u2019s diplomatic strategy. While the Presidential Office has not officially announced the appointment, <\/span>major<\/span><\/a> South<\/span><\/a> Korean<\/span><\/a> media<\/span><\/a> outlets have reported that Sim has accepted the offer.<\/span><\/p>\n

If confirmed, Sim\u2019s selection would reinforce the Yoon administration\u2019s approach to the Australian ambassadorship. It would maintain the precedent set by the previous appointee, Lee Jong-sup, of selecting a minister-level figure with extensive defense experience rather than a career diplomat.<\/span><\/p>\n

This choice would emphasize the growing importance of defense cooperation and arms sales in South Korea-Australia relations.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sim\u2019s appointment will likely face minimal opposition from the main opposition Democratic Party. The party endorsed Sim during his 2018 confirmation hearing for CNO and collaborated with him during the 2018-2019 inter-Korean diplomatic efforts.<\/span><\/p>\n

This prior working relationship may facilitate a smoother confirmation process and potentially foster bipartisan support for South Korea\u2019s diplomatic initiatives with Australia.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Adm. John Aquilino (left center), commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, poses for a group photo with ROK Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Sim, Seung-seob (right center) during an office call in Jeju, Oct. 2018 | U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Carlisle<\/p><\/div>\n

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BIO: SIM SEUNG-SEOB (\uc2ec\uc2b9\uc12d, \u6c88\u52dd\u71ee)<\/b><\/p>\n

Age:<\/b> 61, born on Jan. 28, 1963 in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province<\/span><\/p>\n

Education:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n