自由联盟，行动联盟 APRIL 28, 2023
议长先生、
副总统女士、
尊敬的美国国会议员们、
尊敬的各位来宾、
女士们，先生们、
亲爱的美国公民们、
"一个新的国家，在自由中孕育，并致力于人人生而平等的主张。"
我站在这个国家面前，怀着对自由的信念，对联盟的信仰，以及开启新未来的决心。
234年来，国会一直是自由和民主的象征。本会议厅体现了宪法的精神。我很荣幸能向国会议员和美国人民发表讲话。
感谢民主党人和共和党人通过纪念联盟成立70周年的决议。你们的支持使我的访问有了尊严。我知道，无论你们坐在哪里，你们都与韩国站在一起。
在过去的一个世纪里，我们面临着许多威胁。但是，美国一直在领导世界捍卫自由。
帝国国家为殖民地而战。而人类在两次世界大战中遭受了巨大的痛苦。美国义无反顾地介入，捍卫自由。
但这并不是没有代价的。
我们记得麦克阿瑟将军和尼米兹上将的领导。但是，有超过10万名美国男女在太平洋战争中丧生。
他们的牺牲并没有白费。
美国的领导建立了基于自由贸易的世界新秩序。它给整个世界带来了和平与繁荣。
但繁荣仅限于自由市场经济，共产主义极权国家没有参与。世界被划分为民主和共产主义集团。
1950年，朝鲜半岛处于前线。苏联帮助重新武装北朝鲜。北朝鲜的突然袭击威胁着朝鲜半岛和亚洲的和平。韩国的自由和民主正处于边缘。
在那个决定性的时刻，美国并没有袖手旁观。韩国士兵和美国士兵肩并肩地站在一起，英勇战斗，写就我们的英雄故事。
麦克阿瑟将军通过仁川登陆使敌人措手不及，并扭转了战争的局势。铬铁行动是战争史上最伟大的决定之一。
美国海军陆战队第一师在长津湖战役中奇迹般地突破了12万中国军队的浪潮。
美国的儿女们牺牲了他们的生命，以 "保卫一个他们从未认识的国家和一个他们从未见过的民族"。
仅在长津湖战役中，就有4500名美国军人丧生。在战争过程中，几乎有37,000名美国士兵牺牲。
已故的威廉-韦伯（William Weber）上校参加了原州324号山的战斗。他失去了自己的右臂和腿。然而，这位美国英雄将他的一生献给了纪念朝鲜战争老兵所做出的崇高牺牲。
今天，我们很荣幸地邀请到他的孙女戴恩-韦伯女士与我们见面。韦伯女士，请你站起来好吗？
我谨代表韩国人民向您表示深深的感谢。我们向他崇高的服务和牺牲致敬。
(谢谢你，戴恩)。
一些朝鲜战争的英雄是你的家人和朋友。已故的小约翰-科尼尔斯、山姆-约翰逊和霍华德-科布尔是促进自由和民主的老议员。而前众议员查尔斯-兰赫尔一直是联盟的坚定支持者。
韩国永远不会忘记那些为捍卫自由而与我们一起战斗的伟大的美国英雄们。
谢谢你们。谢谢你们。
我借此机会向所有朝鲜战争老兵和他们的家人表示敬意。你们毫不犹豫地派出你们的儿子和女儿、丈夫和妻子、兄弟和姐妹。你们响应号召，捍卫了太平洋彼岸国家的自由。
我感谢美国和美国人民将朝鲜战争作为一项值得骄傲的遗产加以纪念。也感谢你们以荣誉和尊重对待老兵。
谢谢你们。谢谢你们。
经过三年的激烈战斗，战争结束了。我们两国签署了《共同防御条约》，开启了联盟的新时代。从那时起，朝鲜人民从战争的废墟中崛起，建立了一个繁荣的国家。而在每一步，美国都与韩国站在一起。
我们有许多理由来庆祝我们的白金周年纪念日。当我们开始时，我们没有成功的保证。但今天，我们的联盟比以往任何时候都更加强大，一起更加繁荣，并且与其他国家的联系更加紧密。事实上，它一直是保障我们的自由、和平和繁荣的关键所在。
韩国曾经是一个受援国，是现代历史上唯一成为捐助国的国家。这本身就表明了我们联盟的成功。
让我谈谈我们联盟的历史。自1882年建立外交关系以来，我们的合作和交流的纽带跨越了140多年。
19世纪末，美国传教士帮助将自由和团结的价值观广泛介绍给韩国。这些价值观是韩国宪法的基础。他们对我们的独立运动和韩国的建立产生了巨大的影响。
Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton和Rosetta Hall是十九世纪末踏入韩国的一些传教士。他们建立了学校和医院，促进了妇女的教育。他们的努力为许多韩国妇女作为教育家、记者和医生进入社会奠定了基础。
1960年代初，肯尼迪政府推荐了罗斯托教授的经济增长模式。朴正熙总统明智地接受了这一想法并推动了经济发展。这为韩国成为一个工业化国家奠定了基础。
被称为 "汉江上的奇迹"，韩国的经济增长速度是无与伦比的。战后，韩国是最不发达国家之一。其年收入仅为人均67美元。现在它的经济在世界排名第十位。
谢谢你们。
首尔曾经化为灰烬。现在它是世界上最有活力的数字城市之一。
釜山曾经充斥着战争难民。现在它是世界上转运量第二大的港口城市。它还在申办2030年世界博览会。
韩国正在赢得全球公民的青睐。它是充满活力的。自由在蓬勃发展，民主在茁壮成长。
韩国和美国也联合起来，在全世界捍卫自由和民主。自第二次世界大战以来，韩国派出了它的自由战士。我们在阿富汗、伊拉克和其他国家与美国并肩作战。
在联盟历史上的70多年里，我们在军事和安全领域一起工作。我们还扩大了我们在经济领域的合作。我们的关系已经从单边援助演变为互惠互利的伙伴关系。
2011年，在美国国会的全力支持下，韩美自贸协定获得批准。自那时起，我们的双边贸易增加了68%。韩国公司在美国的投资已经增加了两倍。美国公司在韩国的投资几乎翻了一番。
韩国公司正在为振兴美国经济做出贡献。他们正在美国这里生产电动车电池、半导体、汽车和其他产品。更重要的是，他们正在创造体面、高薪的工作。
以德克萨斯州的奥斯汀为例。截至2020年，三星的半导体工厂已经创造了近10,000个就业机会。
以佐治亚州的布莱恩县为例。现代汽车公司的电动车和电池工厂预计将在2024年底前投入运营。它将每年生产30万辆电动车。它将雇用成千上万的美国人。
还有密歇根州的海湾市。它是SK Siltron CSS的所在地，拜登总统曾访问过这里。这是韩国和美国公司合并以实现更大增长的一个例子。
我希望在美国其他地区看到更多的经济合作。在这方面，我指望你们的热切关注和支持。
我的朋友们，多年来积极的文化和人民交流加深了我们的友谊。今年也是韩国人移民到美国的120周年。
早期的韩国移民作为工人来到夏威夷的甘蔗种植园。从那时起，韩裔美国人已经进入了美国社会的许多部分。他们在促进更紧密的友谊和书写我们联盟的历史方面发挥了重要作用。
Young Kim、Andy Kim、Michelle Steel和Marilyn Strickland代表与我们在一起。他们是联盟跨越世代的证明。
每个党派有两个人。令人欣慰的是，你们均匀地分布在过道两边。
更重要的是，文化正在帮助进一步加深我们的理解和友谊。国籍和语言差异不再是障碍。
韩国电影 "寄生虫 "和 "Minari "获得了奥斯卡奖。好莱坞电影《绝命毒师》和《复仇者联盟》受到韩国人的喜爱。我也喜欢《绝世高手》： 特立独行"，还有 "不可能的任务"。
即使你不知道我的名字，你可能知道BTS和BLACKPINK。BTS把我打到了白宫。但我把他们打到了国会山。韩国和美国的歌手在对方的音乐排行榜上达到高位不再是一个惊喜。
美国创造了像Netflix这样的全球平台。韩国制作了诸如 "鱿鱼游戏 "这样的流行系列。我们正在创造一种新的协同作用模式。
这些文化交流拉近了我们人民的距离。根据芝加哥全球事务委员会的数据，美国人对韩国的积极看法达到了1978年以来的最高水平。而根据皮尤去年的调查，韩国人对美国的积极看法达到89%。这标志着在所有被调查国家中的最大增幅。
韩国和美国同意为我们的学生设立一个援助计划。这将帮助他们在对方的国家积极学习和寻找工作。
尊敬的国会议员们、
我的一生中有过两个职业。我的第一份工作是作为一名公共检察官。我的第二份工作是担任我所爱的国家的总统。
作为检察官，我的榜样是已故的罗伯特-摩根索。他是 "法律与秩序 "中地区检察官亚当-希夫的真实角色。当我是总检察长时，我印制了一本名为 "罗伯特-摩根索： 美国永恒的律师"。我与我的初级检察官们分享了这本书。
在序言中，我加入了这样一句话：一个面对巨大的邪恶而沉默的律师甚至不会阻止附近的扒手。
今天，我们的民主正处于危险之中。
民主是一个社区的政治决策系统，以保护自由和人权。这种决策必须建立在真理和自由形成的公众意见之上。
但是今天在世界许多地方，虚假的宣传和虚假的信息正在歪曲真相和公众舆论。它们正在威胁着民主。
法治使每个人的自由得以共存。它是由议会民主所维护的。
虚假的宣传和虚假的信息腐蚀了知识分子。它们威胁着民主和法治。
这种极权主义势力可能掩盖和伪装成民主或人权的捍卫者。但实际上，他们否定了自由和民主。
我们决不能被这种欺骗和伪装所迷惑。
长期以来，我们用我们的鲜血和汗水保护了民主和法制。
我们必须共同努力，与那些企图破坏民主和法治的虚假和欺骗势力作斗争。
那些珍惜自由的人也尊重他人的自由。因此，自由带来和平。反过来，和平也保障了自由。自由与和平是创造力和创新的源泉。它们带来繁荣和富足。
我们的联盟是在70年前为捍卫韩国的自由而建立的。现在，该联盟已成为一个全球联盟，在世界各地捍卫自由与和平。
韩国将履行其责任。它将发挥符合其经济能力的作用。
约翰-F-肯尼迪总统在1961年的就职演说中说："我的世界公民们：不要问美国将为你们做什么，而是问我们能为人类的自由共同做些什么"。韩国将与国际社会团结一致。我们将为人类的自由尽我们所能。
韩国，与美国一起，将迈向未来。
去年我上任时，我承诺重建韩国：一个属于人民的、植根于自由、民主和市场经济的国家；一个人民可以真正感到自豪的国家，因为它履行了作为国际社会负责任成员的职责。
韩国将与美国一起，发挥 "自由指南针 "的作用。它将保障和扩大世界公民的自由。
但是，即使我们为自由齐心协力地走了70年，仍有一个政权决心走一条错误的道路。那就是北朝鲜。
选择自由和民主的首尔和选择独裁和共产主义的平壤之间存在着鲜明的差异。北朝鲜放弃了自由和繁荣，摒弃了和平。
北朝鲜的核计划和导弹挑衅对朝鲜半岛及其他地区的和平构成了严重威胁。
为了阻止其鲁莽的行为，联盟必须坚定地团结起来。正如里根总统曾经说过的那样： "有一个我们不会付出的代价。有一个他们决不能超越的点。" 我们必须向朝鲜表明他的话。
昨天，拜登总统和我同意加强美国的延伸威慑力。
在韩美密切协调的同时，我们需要加快韩美日三国安全合作，以应对日益增长的朝鲜核威胁。
我国政府将坚决应对挑衅行为。但与此同时，我们将为关于朝鲜无核化的对话敞开大门。
去年，我提出了 "大胆的倡议"。它将大大改善北朝鲜的经济和生活。平壤所要做的就是停止其核计划并开始实质性的无核化进程。
我再次敦促北朝鲜停止其挑衅行为，走正确的道路。韩国将与美国一起，继续为朝鲜的无核化而努力。
谢谢你们，谢谢你们，谢谢你们。
北朝鲜对核武器和导弹的痴迷使其人民陷入严重的经济危机和人权侵犯之中。
我们必须提高全球对北韩严峻的人权状况的认识。我们决不能回避我们促进北朝鲜人自由的责任。
上个月，我国政府发表了一份关于朝鲜人权的报告。我们首次向公众发布。
该报告记录了北朝鲜广泛的虐待行为。它是基于过去五年来收集的508名北朝鲜叛逃者的证词。它记录了许多严重违反国际规范的案例，如《世界人权宣言》和其他人权协议。
那里发生了难以言喻的可怕事件：男人和女人因违反COVID-19预防措施而被枪杀；一些人因观看和分享韩国节目而被公开处决；还有人因持有《圣经》和有信仰而被当众枪杀。
我们需要提高意识。我们必须让世界了解朝鲜侵犯人权的严重性。我请求你们帮助改善北韩的严峻状况。
我的朋友们，自由和民主再次受到威胁。对乌克兰的战争是对国际法的违反。它是企图用武力单方面改变现状的行为。韩国强烈谴责对乌克兰的无端武装攻击。
1950年，当北朝鲜入侵我们时，民主国家纷纷跑来帮助我们。我们一起战斗，保持了我们的自由。剩下的就是历史了。
韩国的经验告诉我们，民主国家坚持团结是多么重要。韩国将与自由世界站在一起。我们将积极努力保障乌克兰人民的自由，支持他们的重建努力。
尊敬的国会议员们、
迄今为止，已有六位韩国总统在这个重要的会议厅发言。第一任韩国总统李承晚博士于1954年发表演讲。35年后的1989年，卢泰愚总统站在这个讲台上说了以下的话：
"太平洋地区的国家已经使开放的社会和市场经济，成为推动世界上增长最快地区的引擎。太平洋地区对美国来说将变得更加重要，韩国将开始为该地区的繁荣与和平做出更大的贡献......我期待着有一天，一些未来的韩国总统可能会被邀请在这个尊贵的大会上发言，将我今天谈到的愿景描述为已实现的成就，而不是明天的希望。"
卢总统的愿景已经变成了现实。
谢谢你们，谢谢你们。
我们目前正生活在印度-太平洋时代。这个地区拥有全球65%的人口和62%的世界GDP。它占了全球海上运输的一半。
去年，韩国宣布了其第一个全面的印太战略。韩国致力于在包容、信任和互惠的基础上培育一个 "自由、和平和繁荣的印度洋-太平洋"。
我们将加强印太地区基于规则的秩序。我们将采取全面和多层次的方法来扩大与主要伙伴的合作。
这也意味着，联盟的舞台正在扩大。
韩国曾经接受过美国国际开发署的援助。它现在正与美国合作，与发展中国家分享其经验。韩国已经大大增加了其官方发展援助预算。它正在提供符合其合作伙伴需求的定制方案。
昨天，拜登总统和我通过了一项联合声明。它提出了一个 "面向未来的行动联盟 "的愿景。
我们两个国家将共同扩大我们的联盟。
我们将共同引领安全和外交政策以外的创新。我们将在人工智能、量子技术、生物科学和开放RAN方面密切合作。
我们在尖端半导体行业的伙伴关系将有助于建立稳定和有弹性的供应链。它也将解决经济的不确定性。
我们将共同开启另一个新的成功篇章。我们将探索外太空和网络空间的新领域。
韩国和美国是引领创新和创造的世界顶级技术大国。我们将一起创造一个巨大的协同效应。
议长先生、
副总统女士、
以及尊敬的国会议员们、
我们的联盟是一个普世价值的联盟。自由、人权和民主是我们联盟的根本基础。
我们的联盟是为了正义。
我们的联盟是为了和平。
我们的联盟是为了繁荣。
我们的联盟将一起继续向未来迈进。
我们将建设明天的世界，为我们的子孙后代开启无尽的机会。
我期待着每个人都能加入到我们的新旅程中来。
上帝保佑你们，上帝保佑美利坚合众国，并愿上帝保佑我们伟大的联盟。
谢谢你们。
Alliance of Freedom, Alliance in Action
Mr. Speaker,
Madam Vice President,
Honorable Members of the United States Congress,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear Citizens of America,
“A new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
I stand before that nation with the conviction of freedom, belief in the Alliance, and resolve to open a new future.
For 234 years, a Congress has been the symbol of freedom and democracy. This Chamber embodies the spirit of the Constitution. I am honored to address the Members of Congress and the people of the United States.
Thank you, both Democrats and Republicans, for passing the Resolution marking the 70th Anniversary of the Alliance. 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. But the U.S. has always led the world in defense of freedom.
Imperial nations fought for colonies. And humanity greatly suffered from the two World Wars. America righteously stepped in to defend freedom.
But it was not without cost.
We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz. But more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific War.
Their sacrifice was not in vain.
U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade. It brought peace and prosperity throughout the world.
But prosperity was limited to free market economies where communist totalitarian nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and communist blocs.
In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union helped to rearm North Korea. North Korea’s surprise attack threatened the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea’s freedom and democracy were on the brink.
At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely. Tales of our heroes were written.
General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard with the landing of Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war.
The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through a wave of 120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Lake Changjin.
Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to “defend a country they never knew and a people they never met.”
In the Battle of Lake Changjin alone, 4,500 American service members lost their lives. Over the course of the War, almost 37,000 U.S. soldiers fell.
The late Colonel William Weber fought in the Battle for Hill 324 in Wonju. He lost his right arm and leg. Yet, this American hero dedicated his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by the Korean War veterans.
Today we are honored to have his granddaughter Ms. Dayne Weber with us. Ms. Weber, would you stand up please?
On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We salute his noble service and sacrifice.
(Thank you, Dayne.)
Some of the Korean War heroes are your family and friends. The late John Conyers Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran Congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. And the former Representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the Alliance.
Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us to defend freedom.
Thank you. Thank you.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean War veterans and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific.
I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean War as a proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and respect.
Thank you. Thank you.
The war ended after three years of intense battle. Our two nations signed the Mutual Defense Treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving nation. And at every step, America has stood together with Korea.
We have many reasons to celebrate our Platinum Anniversary. We had no guarantees of success when we started. But today, our Alliance is stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like no other. Indeed, it has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace and prosperity.
Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our Alliance.
Let me talk about the history of our Alliance. The ties of our cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1882.
In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values are the foundations of Korea’s Constitution. They have made a huge impact on our independence movement and the founding of Korea.
Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton, and Rosetta Hall are some of the missionaries to set foot in Korea at the end of the nineteenth century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor Rostow’s model for economic growth. President Park Chung-hee wisely embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country.
Known as the “Miracle on the Han River,” Korea’s economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the Least Developed Countries after the war. Its annual income was just US$67 per capita. Now its economy ranks tenth in the world.
Thank you.
Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world’s most vibrant digital cities.
Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world’s second-largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. It is also bidding to host the World Expo 2030.
Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic. Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and democracy throughout the world. Since World War II, Korea dispatched its warriors of freedom. We fought side by side with the U.S. in Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
For over 70 years in the history of the Alliance, we worked together in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial.
The KORUS FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68%. Korean companies’ investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies’ investment in Korea has nearly doubled.
Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs.
Take Austin, Texas. Samsung’s semiconductor plant has created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia. Hyundai’s EV and battery plant is expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 electric vehicles every year. It will employ thousands of Americans.
And take Bay City, Michigan. It is home to SK Siltron CSS, where President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American companies merging to achieve even greater growth.
I hope to see more economic cooperation in other parts of America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support.
My friends, years of active cultural and people-to-people exchanges have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S.
Early Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugar cane plantations in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many parts of the American society. They have played an important role fostering closer friendship and writing the history of our Alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the Alliance spanning generations.
That’s two for each party. It’s a relief that you are evenly placed across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer barriers.
Korean movies “Parasite” and “Minari” have won Oscars. Hollywood films “Top Gun” and “the Avengers” are loved by Koreans. I also love “Top Gun: Maverick” and also “Mission Impossible.”
And even if you didn’t know my name, you may know BTS and BLACKPINK. BTS beat me to the White House. But I beat them to Capitol Hill. Korean and American singers reaching high places in each other’s music charts is no longer a surprise.
The U.S. created global platforms like Netflix. Korea has produced popular series such as “Squid Game.” We are creating a new pattern of synergy.
These cultural exchanges have brought our peoples closer. According to Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Americans’ positive views of Korea reached the highest level since 1978. And according to a Pew survey last year, Koreans’ positive views of the U.S. reached 89%. It marks the largest increase among all the countries surveyed.
Korea and the U.S. agreed to set up an assistance program for our students. It will help them to study and find jobs actively in each other’s country.
Honorable Members of Congress,
I have had two careers in my life. My first job was as a public prosecutor. My second job is serving as the President of my beloved country.
As prosecutor, my role model was the late Robert Morgenthau. He was the real-life character of District Attorney Adam Schiff in “Law & Order.” When I was the Prosecutor General, I printed a book titled “Robert Morgenthau: America’s Eternal Attorney.” I shared it with my junior prosecutors.
In the preface, I included the phrase: an attorney who is silent in the face of great evil will not even stop pickpockets in the neighborhood.
Today, our democracy is at risk.
Democracy is a community’s political decision-making system to protect freedom and human rights. Such decision-making must be based on truths and freely formed public opinion.
But today in many parts of the world, false propaganda and disinformation are distorting the truth and public opinion. They are threatening democracy.
The rule of law allows the freedoms of everyone to coexist. It is upheld by parliamentary democracy.
False propaganda and disinformation corrupt intellectualism. They threaten democracy and the rule of law.
Such totalitarian forces may conceal and disguise themselves as defenders of democracy or human rights. But in reality, they deny freedom and democracy.
We must not be fooled by such deception and disguises.
We have for so long protected democracy and the rule of law with our blood and sweat.
We must work together and fight the forces of falsehood and deception that seek to destroy democracy and the rule of law.
Those who cherish freedom also respect the freedom of others. Thus, freedom brings peace. Peace, in turn, safeguards freedom. Freedom and peace are sources of creativity and innovation. They bring prosperity and abundance.
Our Alliance was forged 70 years ago to defend Korea’s freedom. The Alliance has now become a global alliance that safeguards freedom and peace around the world. Korea will fulfill its responsibilities. It will play its part that matches its economic capacity.
In his 1961 Inauguration Address, President John F. Kennedy said, “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” Korea will stand in solidarity with the international community. We will do what we can for the freedom of humanity.
Korea, with the U.S., will march toward the future.
As I took office last year, I pledged to rebuild Korea: a nation belonging to the people rooted in freedom, democracy, and market economy; a nation that the people can be truly proud of, as it fulfills its role as a responsible member of the international community.
Together with the U.S., Korea will play the role as a “compass for freedom.” It will safeguard and broaden the freedom of citizens of the world.
But even as we walked in unison for freedom for 70 years, there is one regime determined to pursue a wrong path. That is North Korea.
The difference is stark between Seoul that chose freedom and democracy and Pyongyang that chose dictatorship and communism. North Korea has abandoned freedom and prosperity and dismissed peace.
North Korea’s nuclear program and missile provocations pose a serious threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
To deter its reckless behavior, the alliance must stand united with determination. As President Reagan once said: “There is a price we will not pay. There is a point beyond which they must not advance.” We must make his words clear to North Korea.
Yesterday, President Biden and I agreed to strengthen the U.S. extended deterrence.
Along with close Korea-U.S. coordination, we need to speed up Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral security cooperation to counter increasing North Korean nuclear threats.
My government will respond firmly to provocations. But at the same time, we will keep the door open for dialogue on North Korea’s denuclearization.
Last year, I proposed the “Audacious Initiative.” It will significantly improve North Korea’s economy and livelihood. All Pyongyang has to do is to stop its nuclear program and begin a substantive denuclearization process.
I once again urge North Korea to cease its provocations and take the right path. Korea, with the U.S., will continue to work for North Korea’s denuclearization.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
North Korea’s obsession with nuclear weapons and missiles is throwing its population into a severe economic crisis and human rights abuses.
We must raise global awareness of the dire human rights situation in North Korea. We must not shy away from our duty to promote freedom for North Koreans.
Last month, my government published a report on North Korean human rights. We released it to the public for the first time.
The report documents a wide range of abuses in North Korea. It is based on the testimonies of 508 North Korean defectors collected over the past five years. It records many cases of serious violations of international norms such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights agreements.
Unspeakable and horrendous incidents took place: men and women being shot and killed for violating COVID-19 prevention measures; some being publicly executed for watching and sharing South Korean shows; and people being shot in public for possessing the Bible and having faith.
We need to raise awareness. We must inform the world of the gravity of North Korea’s human rights violations. I ask for your help in improving North Korea’s grim conditions.
My friends, freedom and democracy are once again under threat. The war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force. Korea strongly condemns the unprovoked armed attack against Ukraine.
When North Korea invaded us in 1950, democracies came running to help us. We fought together and kept our freedom. The rest is history.
Korea’s experience shows us just how important it is for democracies to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free world. We will actively work to safeguard the freedom of the people of Ukraine and support their efforts in reconstruction.
Honorable Members of Congress,
So far six Korean Presidents spoke at this important Chamber. The first Korean President, Dr. Rhee Syngman, delivered his speech in 1954. After 35 years in 1989, President Roh Tae-woo standing at this podium said the following:
“The nations of the Pacific have made open society and market economy, the engines that drive the fastest growing region in the world. The Pacific will become even more important to the U.S., and Korea will begin to contribute more to the prosperity and peace of the region… I look forward to the day when some future Korean Presidents may be invited to address this distinguished assembly and describe the vision I spoke of today as an achievement fulfilled, not as tomorrow’s hope.”
President Roh’s vision has become a reality.
Thank you, thank you.
We are currently living in the Indo-Pacific era. This region is home to 65% of the global population, and 62% of the world GDP. It accounts for a half of global maritime transportation.
Last year, Korea announced its first comprehensive Indo-Pacific Strategy. Korea is committed to fostering a “free, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific” based on inclusiveness, trust, and reciprocity.
We will strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. We will take a comprehensive and multi-layered approach in expanding cooperation with key partners.
This also means that the stage for the Alliance is expanding.
Korea used to receive assistance from USAID. It is now sharing its experience with developing countries in partnership with the U.S. Korea has greatly increased its ODA budget. It is providing tailored programs in tune with the needs of its partners.
Yesterday, President Biden and I adopted a joint statement. It presents a vision of the “Alliance in Action towards the Future.”
Together, our two countries will broaden our Alliance.
Together, we will lead in innovation beyond security and foreign policy. We will work closely on artificial intelligence, quantum technology, bioscience, and Open RAN.
Our partnership in the cutting-edge semiconductor industry will contribute to establishing stable and resilient supply chains. It will also address economic uncertainties.
Together, we will open another new successful chapter. We will explore new frontiers in outer space and cyberspace.
Korea and the U.S. are the world’s top technological powers leading innovation and creativity. Together, we will create a great synergy.
Mr. Speaker,
Madam Vice President,
and Honorable Members of Congress,
Our Alliance is an alliance of universal values. Freedom, human rights, and democracy are the very foundations of our bonds.
Our Alliance is for justice.
Our Alliance is for peace.
Our Alliance is for prosperity.
Together, our Alliance will continue to move towards the future.
We will build the world of tomorrow that opens endless opportunities for our future generations.
I look forward to everyone being on board for our new journey together.
God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and may God bless our great alliance.
Thank you.