N.Korea’s U.N. Envoy to Leave Next Month

North Korea is expected to replace next month its ambassador to the United Nations, Pak Gil Yon.

A U.N. source said yesterday, “With his term expiring, Ambassador Pak is scheduled to return to Pyongyang next month. I understand there is no specific reason for the move other than the end of his term.”

The North is said to have picked former deputy U.N. ambassador Shin Sun-ho as Pak’s successor.

Pak assumed the post in 2001, but has worked as a North Korean diplomat at the United Nations for 18 years.

Right after the North’s nuclear test in October 2006, the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution condemning it.

Pak hit back by saying, “We totally reject the unjustified Resolution 1718. It is gangster-like for the Security Council to adopt today a coercive resolution…” He then swung open the door and left the room, surprising U.N. diplomats.

Pak also played a key role in getting the New York Philharmonic to perform in Pyongyang earlier this month. He answered questions from international correspondents at the news conference in New York, where the Philharmonic announced its performance in the North.

kong@donga.com