Secretary General of the United Nations (2007–16). After leaving university in 1970, he mainly served in South Korea’s diplomatic service but had spells in government, notably as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (2004–06). He was elected to succeed Kofi Annan as Secretary General of the United Nations in 2006 and took office on 1 January 2007; he was elected for a second term in 2011. He was succeeded by Antonio Gutiérrez.