Japanese astronomers have named a recently discovered asteroid after former South Korean diplomat Seo Hyun-sup.

Seo served as a consul at the Korean consulates in Fukuoka and Yokohama and at the Vatican before leaving the post of diplomat last year.

A research team led by Prof. Furukawa at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan discovered an asteroid on January 25th and gave it the name "Seo Hyun-sup" along with the designation No. 6210. Their findings have been released to the global astronomical community through the International Astronomical Union (IAU).

The Japanese astronomers made the unusual move because of the solid and strong friendship between the Japanese professor and the former Korean envoy, who has shown a deep interest in and affection for Japan's history and culture.