Unification Ministry Eyes August Restoration of Envoy to Russia

The Ministry of Unification will reinstate the Director for Unification Affairs (Tongil-gwan) in Russia, a post that had been abolished. The Tongil-gwan is a position responsible for conveying the South Korean government's stance on inter-Korean relations and North Korea policy to the host country.

A ministry official announced on the 30th that the dispatch is being pursued for August and that a recruitment process for senior counselor (Seogigwan) level candidates is underway. The decision to reinstate the position is based on the recent deepening of ties between North Korea and Russia.

The Tongil-gwan at the South Korean Embassy in Russia was abolished in 2022 as part of efforts to streamline staffing. However, the abolition directive was rescinded in November of last year, making reinstatement possible. Currently, Tongil-gwans are dispatched to four countries: the United States, China, Japan, and Germany.