Ex-national security advisor tapped as S.Korea's amb. to Beijing

A former national security advisor to President Park Geun-Hye has been tapped as the new ambassador to China.

Government sources said on Sunday Kim Jang-Soo, also a former defense minister, has been named to replace Ambassador Kwon Young-Se.

If Kim is officially appointed, it will be the first time for an official with high-profile military background to serve as Seoul's ambassador to Beijing since the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1992.

Pundits say that Kim's professional experience in the field of security has been considered by the government in need to further promote cooperation with China on regional security.