Pompeo, US Secretary of State: "The Most Memorable Event Is the Return of Detained Americans from North Korea"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cited the safe return of three Korean-American detainees from North Korea to their home country as the most memorable event during his tenure.

On the 26th (local time), Secretary Pompeo appeared on Fox News and was asked what the most memorable event during his tenure was. He replied, "I haven't had a chance to reflect on that," but added, "Returning from Pyongyang with three Americans and reuniting them with their families."

He recalled, "They were really in danger, and I had the opportunity to bring them back shortly after taking office. It was truly a special event."

Secretary Pompeo visited North Korea on May 9, 2018, shortly after assuming office as Secretary of State, held talks with Chairman Kim Jong-un, and returned to the U.S. with the detained Korean-Americans Kim Dong-chul, Kim Sang-duk, and Kim Hak-song.

At that time, President Donald Trump visited Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland early in the morning to welcome them and expressed his gratitude to Chairman Kim, calling it "a special night for these three great individuals."

One month later, President Trump and Chairman Kim held the first North Korea-U.S. summit in Singapore.

Regarding his plans after retirement, Secretary Pompeo said, "It's hard to say. I will continue this work until I am no longer Secretary of State." He added, "I will think about it with (my wife) Susan."

Concerning the transition process to the Joe Biden administration, he stated, "We will do everything the president has instructed us to do according to the decision of the General Services Administration (GSA)."

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