With President Yoon Suk Yeol’s historic state visit to the United States of America now completed, this is time for the two nations to reflect on the precious path traveled in the ROK-U.S. alliance. On July 27, 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed after the ROK and the U.S. fought together on the Korean Peninsula. They ultimately emerged triumphant in a struggle to safeguard the most precious values: democracy and the freedom. Thanks to the alliance, the ROK proved able and emerged from the ravages of war to develop into a thriving democracy and market economy.
The ROK-U.S. alliance was forged in blood, and the efforts were not in vain. It has long served as the linchpin for peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Pacific. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the alliance. At this juncture, it is gratifying to see that the bonds have evolved. In recognition of the deepening trust and cooperation, the ties have been developed as a Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance encompassing many dimensions of cooperation and cemented by bonds of genuine friendship. As a result, the alliance today stands stronger than ever and is anchored in the firm foundation of the unwavering support of our peoples.
Although the security aspect of alliance may first come to mind when people think of ROK-U.S. relations, the connection goes much deeper. The bonds have been ever nourished notably through economic ties. The economic partnership between the two countries has been vital in their growth and prosperity. The U.S. exported a total of $81.7 billion goods to Korea and imported a total of $109.7 billon goods from Korea. Korea has also made significant investments in the U.S., which was more than $240 billion by 2022.
Over 2.6 million Koreans reside in the U.S. and two countries’ cultural exchanges have brought us together. Korean culture, including the film “Parasite,” the television series “Squid Game,” Korean cuisine, and K-pop, is much loved today. People all over the world admire BTS and many other K-pop stars. I hope culture continues to foster and nurture bonds between people of all kinds globally. It is my heartfelt hope that, in these times, humankind can embrace a spirit of harmony and shared understanding.
No one would deny that the world faces a myriad of challenges. I look forward to the ROK and the U.S. working together to tackle those challenges – some of which are nothing short of existential. Our commitment to these values will remain steadfast as we navigate the uncertain waters of the 21st century. President Yoon’s recent visit to Harvard University represented an important opportunity to address the challenges to freedom facing our societies face. His speech and conversation with University Distinguished Service Professor, Emeritus Joseph S. Nye Jr. yielded insights on and brought into focus the best responses to these challenging issues.
As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the ROK-U.S. alliance, what the Korean War veterans did for us is foremost in our minds and hearts. The bonds of friendship between our peoples are rooted in the sacrifice of those brave veterans. What they did, their noble selflessness, resonates down the generations. We must remain fully committed to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity for our two countries, the Indo-Pacific, and the world. That is the best way to honor them. It is true friendships that stand the test of time. The ROK-U.S. alliance has stood the test of time. It has been consolidated over the years and it will continue to deepen as we nurture the partnership to face the future challenges together in the coming years.
Kijun You is Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Boston