South Korean president praises relationship with US on 70th anniversary of alliance
Cami Mondeaux
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared before a joint meeting of Congress on Thursday, delivering a speech in which he praised the United States for its alliance with the East Asian country over the last seven decades.
Yoon touted the relationship between the two nations during his remarks, which served as a commemoration of the 70-year anniversary of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea. The Korean leader landed in the U.S. earlier this week for a six-day trip to celebrate the anniversary and meet with President Joe Biden as the world leaders seek to strengthen ties.
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“Your support has dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea. Over the past century, we have faced many threats, and the U.S. has always led in defense of freedom,” Yoon said. “We had no guarantees of success when it started, but today, our alliance is stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like no other.”
Yoon highlighted the U.S.-Korean alliance that began in earnest after the two countries signed a defense treaty at the end of the Korean War in 1953, crediting U.S. leaders for providing the democratic values that served as the “foundation” of the Korean constitution. The South Korean president also pointed to their military alliance in recent years, lauding efforts to “safeguard freedom and democracy throughout the world.”
Yoon praised the economic strength provided by the countries’ alliance as well, expressing “hope to see more economic cooperation in the other parts of America.”
“In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support,” Yoon said. “My friends, years of active communication, and people-to-people exchange have deepened our friendship.”
However, Yoon also offered a warning to lawmakers that democracy is at risk due to growing threats of disinformation and propaganda that are “distorting the truths and the public opinion.” Yoon specifically pointed to North Korean aggression and its nuclear program, which the South Korean leader said poses a threat to peace in the region.
“North Korea has abandoned freedom and prosperity,” Yoon said. “The alliance must stand united with determination. As President [Ronald] Reagan once said, ‘There is a price we will pay. There is a point beyond reach they must not advance.’ We must make his words clear to North Korea.”
His comments come as South Korea has resumed joint military exercises with the U.S. in preparation for a hypothetical attack by North Korean forces. Yoon denounced North Korea’s efforts at nuclearization, arguing its “obsessions with nuclear weapons” has led to human rights abuses across the country.
“We must raise global awareness of the dire human rights situation in North Korea,” Yoon said. “We must not shy away from our duty to promote freedom for North Koreans.”
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Yoon’s appearance comes after congressional leaders invited the South Korean leader to address Congress in a letter sent earlier this month that was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
His speech marks the first time in about a decade that a South Korean president has delivered a speech to Congress.