Seoul envoy stresses 'strong' S. Korea-U.S. commitment to alliance despite leadership changes

WASHINGTON, June 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's top envoy to the United States said Wednesday that the two countries' commitment to their alliance remains "strong" following the launch of new administrations in both countries this year, as the allies marked the 75th anniversary of the Korean War's outbreak.

Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong made the remarks, as veterans of the 1950-53 conflict, and South Korean and U.S. officials gathered at the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington to commemorate the sacrifices of troops during the war, where the alliance was forged in blood.

Participants took note of South Korea's rise from the ashes of the war to become a thriving economy and democracy, but highlighted the stark reality: the two Koreas still remain technically at war, with Pyongyang doubling down on its menacing nuclear program.

"Our countries had both elections and both countries now have a new president," Cho said. "But despite the change in leadership, our joint commitment to our alliance remains strong," Cho said, referring to Presidents Lee Jae Myung and Donald Trump who took office in June and January, respectively.

Noting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the ambassador said each day is a reminder of the importance of a strong South Korea-U.S. alliance, and of the "dangers of a nuclear-armed North Korea to our region and the world."

"But our alliance and Korea's success was only possible thanks to the courage and sacrifice of our veterans, including those of you here today," he said.

He also underlined the role of many other nations whose troops fought alongside South Korean and U.S. troops under the U.N. banner during the war.

"We owe the peace, prosperity and democracy we have now to the 22 countries, led by the U.S., who fought with us 75 years ago," Cho said. "Our freedoms were not simply handed to us. They were all forged from your bravery."

Maj. Gen. Trevor Bredenkamp, commander of the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, said that the Korean War is not just history, but a "legacy, sacrifice and enduring commitment to freedom."

"The result of that sacrifice is seen in the Republic of Korea (ROK)'s extraordinary transformation into a vibrant democracy and thriving economy," he said, referring to South Korea by its official name.

Bredenkamp pointed out that the Korean War remains an "unfinished" chapter "requiring our continued partnership and vigilance," while portraying the U.N. Command (UNC) as a "vital force for peace." Created to restore peace following the war, the UNC currently serves as a key enforcer of the Armistice Agreement that halted fighting in the war.

"The UNC is not merely a symbol of the past. It is a formidable coalition (and) an active guarantor of security and stability," he said. "At the same time, the ROK-US alliance, forged in battle and strengthened in peace, remains a cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific."

Also attending the event was retired Lt. Gen. Bernard Champoux, who currently serves as vice chairman of the board of directors at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation.

Champoux took stock of South Korea's evolution since the end of the war.

"The Republic of Korea, which has risen from the ashes of a devastating war, has become a thriving democracy, a trusted ally and a steadfast friend," he said.

"That is the enduring legacy of those who served. Korean War veterans not only helped secure freedom in Korea, but they laid the foundation for the U.S.-ROK alliance that has maintained stability in that vital part of the world for decades."

Fern Winbush, principal deputy director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency under the Pentagon, stressed the "unbreakable bond" between South Korea and the U.S. as she painted an optimistic outlook for the future of the alliance. POW and MIA stand for prisoners of war and missing in action, respectively.

"I see the next 75 years not only remaining strong, but always growing stronger," she told Yonhap News Agency.

"We are very grateful for all of the assistance from South Korea in the repatriation of our American service members who died on the peninsula. So that relationship ... really means that there is an unbreakable bond between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea."

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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