Trump Sends Message to Korea After First Tribute at Korean War Memorial

Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuk to the U.S.: "President Trump Will Strive for Peace on the Korean Peninsula"
Ambassador Also Appears to Have Delivered Message on Korean Peninsula Situation
Presumed to Manage ROK-U.S. Alliance After Bolton Memo Controversy

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the morning of June 25th (local time), the 70th anniversary of the Korean War, U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington DC to lay a wreath. This was his first time doing so since taking office.

President Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania, visited the Korean War Memorial Park near the White House around 11:20 a.m. to lay a wreath and observe a moment of silence, then saluted to honor the sacrifices of the veterans. Before the moment of silence, Melania clearly showed her respect by removing her sunglasses. Melania did not accompany President Trump to the National Cemetery on Memorial Day, the U.S. day of remembrance, in May.

President Trump then had a conversation with Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuk and his wife, greeted veterans, and toured the memorial while receiving explanations.

President @realDonaldTrump and @FLOTUS just visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. pic.twitter.com/BIFiIMpt9Z

? The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 25, 2020

The White House also shared footage of President Trump laying the wreath via Twitter, emphasizing the significance of this visit.

President Trump’s actions came amid growing doubts about his perception of the South Korea-U.S. alliance following the controversy over former White House National Security Council (NSC) advisor John Bolton’s memoir. This clearly shows an intention to manage the current situation.

Earlier, through a video message sent to the 70th anniversary commemorative event held in South Korea, President Trump expressed "thanks and respect to all who bravely fought to stop communism."

After the event, Ambassador Lee Soo-hyuk said, "President Trump expressed interest and concern about the situation on the Korean Peninsula," adding, "When I asked him to continue efforts to maintain peace on the Korean Peninsula, he said he is doing so and pledged to continue."

He added, "There is also a message from President Trump, but it is somewhat inappropriate to disclose it at this time." While there is speculation that it may relate to the situation on the Korean Peninsula, the ambassador refrained from answering further questions.

Ambassador Lee said, "After the wreath-laying ceremony, President Trump asked very detailed questions about the nineteen figures standing as statues," and added, "He was surprised when he was told that many Koreans visit here and that visitors from Korea always make a point to come."

He explained, "Considering that President Trump came here, sent a video message to Seoul, and so on, I think it was a good opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to the South Korea-U.S. alliance," adding, "First Lady Melania also asked me to convey her regards to our people, and both of them showed very special interest."

He continued, "There are various concerns about the South Korea-U.S. alliance, but I think excessive worries are beyond an appropriate level," emphasizing, "There is no change in the alliance, and I believe it is becoming stronger."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.