With President Barack Obama‘s announcement on Friday appointing Sung Kim the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, Kim now only awaits confirmation from the Senate, Yonhap News reports.

It is likely that Senate confirmation will take place before the congressional recess, which would allow Kim to take office as early as August. Once confirmed, Kim, as we reported earlier this month, will be the first Korean American ambassador to South Korea since the beginning of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Many speculate that Kim’s expertise on North Korean issues was a major factor in his appointment. According to Yonhap News, former U.S. Department of State official David Straub commented, “With his knowledge of Korean language and culture, Mr. Kim will very effectively represent the United States’ interests in the Republic of Korea, and provide Washington with clear insights into Korea.”

[Photo: Yonhap]