The government has appointed Kim Hak-joon, chairman of the Association for Preservation and Research of Dokdo, to lead the state-run Northeastern Asian History Foundation, officials said Monday.

Kim, 69, will replace Chung Jae-jeong whose three-year term ended Sunday.

Kim, a former journalist and political science professor, was picked to helm the foundation as he has ample experience in historical research concerning Korea’s easternmost islets and the country’s overall history, a Seoul official told media.

He has a bachelor’s degree in politics from Seoul National University, a master’s degree from Kent State University and a doctorate from the University of Pittsburgh. He previously worked as journalist at the Chosun Ilbo and professor at SNU.

By Song Sang-ho (sshluck@heraldcorp.com)