South Korea's new ambassador to China will begin work next week as Beijing gave its consent to the appointment earlier than expected, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency said Wednesday.

"The Chinese government gave an unusually quick diplomatic agreement to the appointment of Yu on Nov. 30," Yonhap said, quoting its source.

President Lee Myung-bak selected Yu Woo-ik, one of his closest aides, as Seoul's top envoy to Beijing in mid-November to replace former ambassador Shin Jung-seung.

Yu served as presidential chief of staff until June last year when he stepped down from the post due to public protest over the American beef issue.

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