'S. Korea to replace chief negotiator on N. Korean nuclear standoff'

South Korea plans to replace its chief envoy to international negotiations on North Korea's nuclear programs, a news report said Thursday. Kim Sook, a veteran diplomat who served in posts mostly related to the United States, will be the new nuclear negotiator, Yonhap news agency reported, citing unidentified officials. The Foreign Ministry was likely to announce Kim's appointment later Thursday, Yonhap said. The ministry declined to confirm the report, but it has been expected to reshuffle key posts after the new government of President Lee Myung-bak took office last month.