A Cheong Wa Dae official said Friday that former National Security Adviser Ra Jong-yil will likely be appointed as South Korea's ambassador to Japan.

Ra was replaced from his security advisory post earlier on Friday with Kwon Chin-ho, a former deputy head of the National Intelligence Service.

The Cheong Wa Dae official characterized Ra's chances of being appointed to Seoul's top diplomatic post in Japan as 'highly likely', but added that President Roh has yet to make a final decision on
the matter.

The official also said Roh has yet to make a decision on where to move Kim Hee-sang, who resigned in recent days as presidential adviser for national defense.

Kim, speaking with reporters, would not confirm his next destination in public service, saying "I am ready to take up any post to be given to me [by President Roh]."