Weber Shandwick to launch Korean office

The agency is expected to open its doors in Korea by the end of the year, although it is not yet clear which clients it will represent in the market.

Weber Shandwick currently operates on an affiliate basis in Korea. It has a full presence in 11 markets in the region including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines.

Tim Sutton (pictured), Weber Shandwick’s regional chairman, said he was “thrilled” with Kim’s appointment.

“He is quite simply the leading, best known and most highly respected PR professional in the South Korean market. The fact that he has decided to join Weber Shandwick from his current position says volumes for his view of the potential of the Weber Shandwick brand in South Korea.”

Sutton added: “This is a key strategic milestone along the road in our long term goal to become Asia Pacific’s preeminent public relations network. We will be new in the market against established players but, given the global and regional strength of Weber Shandwick, we are determined to do everything necessary to become a top three market player in South Korea - however long that takes.”

The network recently expanded its public affairs practice into Southeast Asia, with vice president Brad Jaffe relocating to Singapore to lead the division.

In Japan, Akihiko Kubo last month replaced Takeo Nishitani as president and chief executive, with Nishitani becoming representative director and chairman in that market.