Joseph Y. Yun (1954 – )

U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, 2016 – 2018

Joseph Y. Yun is a Senior Advisor to the Asia Program at the United States Institute of Peace and a former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea policy, former U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia, was previously the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

Yun actively played a key role in elevating U.S.-Southeast Asian relations and policy (particularly with Malaysia and the US-Malaysia Comprehensive Partnership Agreement). He also led efforts to normalize relations with Myanmar and played a role in laying the foundation for “official participation by the U.S. prescient in the annual East Asian Summit (2011- present).

Some of Yun’s achievements include four Superior Honors Awards, nine Foreign Service Performance Awards, and the Presidential Meritorious Service Award.