Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador, to Step Down in January Next Year Amid 'U.S. Regime Change'

by Jang Heejun

Pubilshed 27 Nov.2024 09:56(KST)

"Efforts to Strengthen the ROK-US Alliance and ROK-US-Japan Cooperation"

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, will be replaced in January next year along with the change of administration in the United States.

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, visiting the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, in March last year to meet Kim Ki-hyun, then leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

According to diplomatic sources, Ambassador Goldberg will retire in January next year, concluding his 35-year diplomatic career and leaving Seoul, the sources revealed on the 27th. The sources stated, "His distinguished career includes about two and a half years of service in Korea, during which he worked to strengthen bilateral relations between the allies and enhance trilateral relations among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan."

After Ambassador Goldberg's departure, the deputy chief of mission at the embassy is expected to temporarily act as the ambassador.

Ambassador Goldberg was appointed in July 2022, following about a year and a half vacancy in the position of U.S. Ambassador to South Korea.

His predecessor, former Ambassador Harry Harris, also left office in January 2021, coinciding with President Joe Biden's inauguration.