Jang Dong-hyuk Discusses ROK-US Alliance with US Representative Steel

Before the meeting between Representative Michelle Steel and Representative Jang Dong-hyuk began, there was some confusion on-site regarding camera filming. Filming staff briefly discussed camera angles and positions.

The on-site confusion related to filming was resolved, and preparations for the meeting were completed.

He mentioned that Representative Steel must have special feelings about returning to Korea, having left as a child and now serving in a crucial role in the U.S. He added that during his visit to the U.S. in April, he heard of Representative Steel's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Korea and wished to congratulate her in person but was unable to due to scheduling conflicts.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk recalled that during his visit to the U.S. in April, many key figures, including Representative Young Kim, Senator Bill Hagerty, and the RNC Chair, greatly welcomed Representative Steel's nomination. He stated that many Korean citizens also have high expectations for Representative Steel, believing that she, with her deep understanding of both Korea and the U.S., will play a significant role in advancing the ROK-U.S. alliance and fostering friendship between the two nations.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk revealed that during his visit to the U.S., many figures in Washington expressed concerns about the ROK-U.S. alliance. He stated that while he believes the alliance remains strong, there are many worries and considerations regarding its current state and future. He pointed to the rapidly changing global order, citing recent geoeconomic conflicts, increasing armed conflicts between nations, the retreat of multilateralism, and deepening protectionism.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk assessed that the rule-based international order, which has been maintained for 80 years, is significantly shaking. He emphasized that the ROK-U.S. alliance, celebrating its 73rd anniversary this year, must also be upgraded in line with these epochal changes. He added that he believes trust is the foundation of the alliance.

He stated that Korea and the U.S. have continuously developed their alliance by sharing fundamental values of liberal democracy and a market economy. He noted that the U.S. provided significant assistance to Korea's economic growth, and now Korea is also expanding its contributions to the U.S. economy. He added that when the U.S. supported Korea, which was devastated by the Korean War, few would have believed it would leap forward to become the technological and cultural powerhouse it is today.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk assessed that if the U.S. had only considered immediate small gains when supporting Korea in the past, such assistance and investment would not have occurred. However, thanks to those who looked to the distant future with strong faith, Korea was able to achieve its current leap, and the ROK-U.S. alliance has developed dramatically. Representative Michelle Steel also elaborated on this in English.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk stated his belief that the path to opening a new future for the ROK-U.S. alliance can be found in the great history they have walked. He emphasized that while there may be issues between the two countries that require short-term sacrifices, they should not only look at the near future but rather the grand future they will build together. He said that the two countries must further solidify their shared values and strengthen their solidarity.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk proposed that Korea and the U.S. should choose a path that expands their common interests in the long term. He emphasized that this will be the way to strengthen and upgrade the alliance. From Korea's perspective, actively seeking a role commensurate with its elevated international status is an important task. He expressed his expectation that if the ROK and U.S. pursue these efforts together, the path to expanding the alliance of freedom and contributing to humanity will open up even wider.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk expressed his conviction that the efforts of both countries will ultimately strengthen the alliance and lead to greater joint development. He expressed hope that the principle of trust will be upheld in resolving various pending issues, including trade and security, and vowed to do his best in the necessary role as the leader of the main opposition party. He also stated that security issues on the Korean Peninsula, including North Korea, remain a major challenge to be resolved.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk pointed out that North Korea is increasingly escalating its security threats. He explained that the North Korean military is accumulating modern warfare experience through participation in the Russia-Ukraine war and is accelerating its power enhancement, including the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear submarines. He noted that North Korea continues its provocations, such as launching ballistic missiles into the East Sea last Saturday. He added that China also continues its actions that disrupt regional order and seek to change the status quo.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk emphasized that the ROK and U.S. must strengthen security cooperation to counter these threats. He urged Representative Steel to pay special attention to security issues on the Korean Peninsula. Also present was Representative Park Jun-geon, a North Korean defector, who provided vivid testimony about the reality of North Korea. He mentioned that Representative Steel's parents were also displaced persons who fled North Korea during the Korean War. He highlighted Representative Steel's record of leading the sponsorship of the Separated Family Reunions Act during her tenure as a House Representative, which supports reunions between Korean Americans and their families remaining in North Korea.

Representative Jang Dong-hyuk praised Representative Steel for significantly contributing to elevating North Korean human rights issues as a major agenda item in U.S. politics. He explained that North Korean human rights issues transcend the mere dimension of compatriots and represent a path to realizing universal human values. He emphasized that the tragic lives of compatriots who cannot enjoy basic freedom and human rights can no longer be ignored.

He also requested Representative Steel's continued interest and efforts. He expressed his expectation that Representative Steel's visit would be a great force not only for strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance and joint development but also for peace in Northeast Asia and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and hoped for frequent future meetings.

U.S. House Representative Michelle Steel deeply thanked Representative Jang Dong-hyuk for his warm welcome. She said she was surprised but also happy and felt lucky when she heard the news of her nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Korea from the White House in January. She met with National Assembly Speaker Cho Jung-sik on August 21st and expressed her pleasure in visiting the National Assembly again to pay her respects to the leaders of both parties. Representative Steel emphasized that the Korean National Assembly symbolizes a proud history of economic growth and democratic development.

U.S. House Representative Michelle Steel emphasized that the National Assembly symbolizes Korea's proud history of economic growth and democratic development. She assessed that Korea is currently playing a central role on the world stage, promoting peace and prosperity. She requested Representative Jang Dong-hyuk and the People Power Party to continue supporting and cooperating on various initiatives to strengthen the bilateral alliance and solidify the bilateral economic partnership.

She said that there are many pending issues between the two countries that require significant support, and therefore she hopes to meet more frequently in the future. The meeting then proceeded behind closed doors.