SEOUL, Aug. 21 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung has appointed senior trade official Park Jung-sung as the new trade minister, a presidential spokesperson said Friday, filling the post immediately tasked with leading the talks with Washington over South Korea's investment pledge to the United States.

Park, formerly vice trade minister, will replace Yeo Han-koo, according to presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung. Yeo was dismissed last week for unknown reasons.

Park's appointment does not require parliamentary approval or a confirmation hearing.

The appointment comes amid what Seoul officials have called meaningful progress in Seoul-Washington talks on South Korea's strategic investment projects in the U.S., with additional details expected to be unveiled next month.

pbr@yna.co.kr

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