"Former Consul General Park is an expert who practically dealt with six-party talks, denuclearization and the North Korean nuclear issue at Cheong Wa Dae of the Roh Moo-hyun administration," presidential spokesman Kim Eui-kyeom said.

"Whenever the six-party talks and the nuclear issue reached an impasse, Park exercised his capabilities to break through it," the spokesman said. "In that sense, Park was necessary in this crucial phase of negotiations between the North and the United States."

Kim also rejected criticism that Park's resignation after only six months in the position could be considered a diplomatic gaffe, saying the position of consul general is different from that of an ambassador. (Yonhap)