Between High Expectations and Disappointment for New US Ambassador to South Korea

When I meet some people from the Washington think tanks these days, I frequently hear a question about Mark Lippert, the new ambassador to South Korea. The purpose of the question is obvious. Many people wonder whether the Korean government’s comment that “Lippert is a perfectly good pick for South Korea” is sincere.

Choosing Lippert as an appointee has been hot news for diplomatic people in Korea and Washington. Considering the 60-year-old South Korea-U.S. alliance, recruiting the youngest ambassador — at 41 years old — is regarded as bold. Also, the close relationship between Lippert and President Obama makes this issue more dramatic.

Overall, two words may represent Koreans’ reactions to the new appointee: disappointment and positive expectation.

Disappointment comes from comparison. Regardless of Lippert’s competence, his political standing is relatively lower than that of the ambassadors to Japan and China. Caroline Kennedy, U.S. ambassador to Japan, is the daughter of a former U.S. president, and Max Baucus, U.S. ambassador to China, was a U.S. senator for six terms. In Lippert’s case, he is known as the president’s confidant, who frequently talks to Obama over the telephone.

It would have been better to have chosen Lippert at the beginning of the Obama administration rather than now. With the lowest percentage of support for Obama, “an Obama man” could barely be helpful to Korea.

Meanwhile, the positive expectation for Lippert is his potential. One of his strengths is that he can closely communicate with Obama.

“Every country wants an ambo that can pick up the phone and get the president’s attention. Mark can do that,” Professor Victor Cha at Georgetown University told Foreign Policy magazine.

In addition, Lippert’s career is specialized in Asian affairs, which is his other strength. The best thing about him is his strong affection for Korea. Rumor has it that Lippert was eager to be appointed as the new ambassador to South Korea.

A Korean Peninsula expert — who has met Lippert several times — described him as “a rough gemstone.” Polishing the gemstone and making it valuable is up to Korea’s diplomatic capacity.

As is well-known, Lippert is versed in national defense. He was an intelligence officer with the Navy SEAL and assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs. He is the current chief of staff to the secretary of defense.

It is hard to predict whether Lippert’s experiences could be helpful for Korea. His experience in the Navy may affect Lippert. If he were to react to North Korean provocation like an impetuous soldier, he would be making brave but irrational decisions, which could mislead the situation.

On the other hand, his knowledge as a defense expert could also make Lippert the most competitive ambassador. Defense issues, such as nuclear weapons and missiles from North Korea, have been an essential issue for South Korea and the United States. For this reason, I agree with the opinion that Lippert is “a rough gemstone,” who has potential abilities.

In older days, an ambassador to South Korea had a lot of power. Former Korea ambassadors used to meet the Korean presidents very often. As the prestige of Korea improved, however, American ambassadors to Korea turned to managing practical matters more than having political influence. In this context, a young, passionate appointee is an appropriate decision. Instead of complaining, focusing on Lippert’s strengths will benefit both Korea and the United States. In order to maximize these benefits, the Korean government and Lippert should do their best to cooperate.