외교부

Congratulatory Remarks by H.E. Kang Insun

Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs

Reception for the 2024 Korea America Friendship Night 

(June Festival)

June 26^th 2024, The Westin Josun Seoul

Chairman Sohn Kyung Shik,

Acting President Park Jung Su,

Deputy Chief of Mission Joy Sakurai, 

Major General John Weidner,

Service Members of the USFK, 

Members of US Embassy-Seoul,

Members of the Korea America Friendship Society, 

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is truly an honor and privilege 

to join all of you here today.

I would like to first thank 

the Korea America Friendship Society for

hosting this very meaningful event. 

Let me also extend my warmest greetings and appreciation 

to all the USFK and US Embassy Members 

who are here this evening.

Your tireless and dedicated service is what makes 

our Alliance so strong and effective. 

Today is even more special as we also celebrate

the Korea America Friendship Society’s 33^rd birthday.

Since its foundation in 1991, 

the Society has played an instrumental role in

further strengthening our two countries’ friendship.

Congratulations for all your great work,

and I look forward to an even more successful future 

of the Society.

I would also like to take this opportunity

to convey my heartfelt congratulations to those who received

the Korea America Friendship Society Award:

Lieutenant Colonel Oluf Day,

Captain Austin Stamper, 

Sergeant First Class Gisela Brown-Schilling, 

Sergeant First Class Adrian Sewell,

Petty Officer First Class Kevin Surio,

Technical Sergeant Jacob Humphreys,

Sergeant Brian Armenta, 

and Chief Warrant Officer Hae Yul Jung.

Thank you for your wonderful service.

Distinguished Guests,

Yesterday marked the 74^th anniversary of

the outbreak of the Korean War.

With North Korea’s sudden invasion

in the early morning of June 25, 1950, 

South Korea was turned into a battlefield overnight.

Young people from the United States and other nations

left their homes to fight side by side

for a country they didn’t know

and people they had never met.

During the three years of the war, 

the U.S. Armed Forces suffered approximately

one hundred and thirty thousand (130,000) casualties, 

including around

thirty-seven thousand (37,000) killed in action.

And to this day, approximately

seven thousand five hundred (7,500) American soldiers

have yet to be returned to their families.

Never must we forget the noble sacrifices of the heroes 

who fought for freedom and peace.

The Korean people are forever grateful.

The ROK-U.S. Alliance was forged in their blood.

And from their sacrifice, 

Korea was able to rise above the ashes of war

to become a vibrant democracy, a thriving economy, 

and a cultural powerhouse.

We honor the men and women of the USFK and

US Embassy-Seoul, as well as their families.

Their strong dedication is a tribute to the deep sacrifice and service 

of the Korean War veterans.

And thanks to their devotion and commitment,

our Alliance has surely evolved into 

a ‘Global Comprehensive Strategic Alliance.’

It is ‘Global’ because our collaboration is

no longer confined to the Korean Peninsula and Northeast Asia, 

but spans the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

It is ‘Comprehensive’ because our partnership has grown 

from one that focused merely on military and security 

to one that now covers economic security, 

cutting-edge science and technology, 

and people-to-people exchanges. 

And it is ‘strategic’ because we share a strong commitment

to safeguarding the rules-based international order 

built on universal values.

Last year, our countries celebrated the 70^th anniversary 

of the ROK-US Alliance.

The highlight was

President Yoon Suk Yeol’s state visit in April.

During that visit, our Leaders announced 

the historic Washington Declaration, significantly enhancing 

the ROK-US extended deterrence cooperation.

In face of North Korea’s enhanced nuclear and missile threats,

the Alliance will continue to further strengthen 

its deterrence posture and capabilities in all aspects.

Distinguished Guests, 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Harry Truman, the 33^rd President of the United States

who was in office at the outbreak of the Korean War, 

once said, “The best way to meet the threat of aggression 

is for peace-loving nations to act together.”

I believe these words inspired our two countries 

to work side-by-side in preserving peace and freedom 

on the Korean Peninsula and in the region 

for the past 70 years despite the various challenges we faced.

I also believe these words clearly illustrate the direction 

we should take for the years to come.

Let us keep up the good fight

and continue to stand strong as the anchor of peace and stability in the region.

Thank you.