By Song Sang-ho, Kim Seung-yeon, Cho Joon-hyung and Kim Dong-hyun
WASHINGTON/SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- The top U.S. official for North Korea policy resigned last week, multiple sources said Tuesday, adding to uncertainty over Washington's diplomatic efforts to reengage with a recalcitrant Pyongyang.
Jung Pak left the post as the U.S. senior official for North Korea and a process is under way to select her replacement, according to the sources.
Pak, a scholar-turned-diplomat, took over the post for North Korea policy at the State Department after Sung Kim, a veteran diplomat, retired late last year. She also served as deputy assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs.
Her departure came as the United States has repeatedly shown its desire to engage in diplomacy with the North -- an overture that has only been met with Pyongyang's dogged endeavor to advance its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
She has led a series of efforts to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and the United States, and among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan over North Korea-related issues.
Pak previously served as a senior researcher at the Brookings Institution. She also worked at the Central Intelligence Agency.
This file photo, taken March 13, 2024, shows U.S. Senior Official for North Korea Jung Pak speaking during a retirement celebration for her predecessor, Sung Kim, in Washington. (Yonhap)
[email protected]
(END)
