Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian

In response to a media inquiry regarding reports that Roh Jae-heon, chairman of the East Asia Culture Center, has been appointed as the first South Korean ambassador to China under the Lee Jae-myung government, and whether the relevant process is currently underway, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that "We have taken note of the relevant reports. The envoy serves as important bridges for developing friendly and cooperative relations between countries. China is waiting for the formal nomination from the South Korean side."

Roh Jae-heon, 60, the eldest son of former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo and chairman of the East Asia Culture Center in Seoul, has been appointed as the first South Korean ambassador to China under Lee Jae-myung government with related procedural steps now underway, according to multiple South Korean media reports.

The Chosun Daily said in a report on Thursday that Roh visited China last month as part of the presidential special envoy delegation to China, led by former National Assembly speaker Park Byeong-seug. 

The report also noted that "it appears that Chairman Roh's various activities to promote Korea-China exchanges in the past have served as the background for this appointment." Roh promoted cultural exchange projects between South Korea and China through the East Asia Culture Foundation, established in 2012, and in 2016, he served as an adviser to the international advisory group of Chengdu City, China. In 2021, he served as the chairman of the sociocultural subcommittee of the Korea-China Future Relations Development Committee under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, according to the Chosun Daily.

The Chosun Daily report said that analysis suggests that former president Roh Tae-woo's efforts during his tenure, including the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992 as part of the "Northern Policy," also influenced the appointment.

On August 19, Chinese Ambassador Dai Bing visited the grave of former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo in Paju, accompanied by Roh Jae-heon, according to a release from the Chinese Embassy. 

The Yonhap report also cited an official of the ruling Democratic Party who said that the government is likely to have viewed him as a suitable figure to improve bilateral ties given his "expertise on China that he built up beyond what is publicly known."

Roh Jae-heon's father, former President Roh Tae-woo, oversaw the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and South Korea, giving him a unique family legacy. Coupled with his own long-standing commitment to fostering friendship between South Korea and China, his nomination as ambassador to Beijing could make him an important bridge between the two countries and help advance bilateral relations, Xiang Haoyu, a research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, told the Global Times on Thursday. 

The fact that Roh Tae-woo, a conservative president, now has his son appointed ambassador to China by a progressive administration underscores President Lee Jae-myung's political intent to bridge South Korea's two main camps, said Xiang. 

The ambassadorship to China is one of South Korea's most important diplomatic posts, often filled through political appointments. Beyond formal diplomatic skills, the role requires deep understanding of China, influence at home, and personal networks to get things done, said Xiang. 

He noted that the course of China-South Korea relations depends more on the government's China policy. A new envoy may prioritize promoting high-level exchanges and improving public opinion and the social foundation of bilateral ties, said the expert.