Roh Jae-heon (far right) visited China in August 2025 as part of the presidential special envoy delegation to China, led by former National Assembly speaker Park Byeong-seug. Photo: VCG

Nominated as the first South Korean ambassador to China under President Lee Jae-myung's administration, Roh Jae-heon, chairman of the East Asia Cultural Center, pledged during an interview with the Yonhap News Agency to make every effort to advance South Korea-China relations. 

In a telephone interview, Roh said he would adopt the spirit of "Yugong removing mountains" to promote China-ROK relations, strengthen neighborly friendship and work tirelessly to enhance South Korea's international standing, Yonhap reported.

"Amidst the profound shifts in the international order, I shoulder a heavy duty and feel a deep sense of responsibility and historical mission," Roh remarked. 

He is expected to travel to China soon to assume his post and coordinate with Chinese authorities on matters related to APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, according to the Yonhap report in Chinese. 

The ambassadorial post in Beijing has been vacant for approximately eight months following the departure of the previous envoy, Chung Jae-ho, in January. On the same day, the South Korean government, led by President Lee, convened a State Council meeting and approved the appointment of Roh as ambassador to China, the South Korean media report said. 

Roh, 60, is the eldest son of former South Korean president Roh Tae-woo. 

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.

Roh visited China in August as part of the presidential special envoy delegation to China, led by former National Assembly speaker Park Byeong-seug, the Chosun Daily reported.