Joseph Yoon, Acting US Ambassador, Arrives in Korea: "Korea Grows Stronger in Crisis"

"Strengthening the Korea-U.S. Alliance Is America's Top Priority...
I Hope to Play a Role"

Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy at the State Department, who was appointed as the Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, stated, "Korea has faced several difficulties, including the 1997 financial crisis, but each time it emerged stronger," and added, "I am confident it will be the same this time."

At the '2024 Tri-Forum·Korea University Institute of Asian Studies Symposium' panel discussion, Joseph Yun, former U.S. State Department Special Representative for North Korea Policy, is speaking. Photo by Yonhap News.

Yun, who arrived in South Korea through Incheon International Airport on the afternoon of the 11th, shared his thoughts on the domestic emergency martial law and impeachment situation, saying, "Every government experiences ups and downs," according to Yonhap News Agency.

He said, "I am glad to return to Korea as the Acting Ambassador," and added, "It is very meaningful to come at a time like this to support the embassy and do what we can."

When asked how he would contribute to communication between South Korea and the United States during Donald Trump's second term amid domestic political uncertainty, he said, "The fundamental core pillar of the Korea-U.S. relationship is the alliance," and added, "I have devoted half of my professional career to strengthening the Korea-U.S. relationship, and I hope to play a role in this again." He emphasized, "I believe this is the top priority (goal number one) not only for our embassy but for everyone in the United States."

Yun was appointed as the acting chief of mission after Philip Goldberg, the former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea appointed by the Biden administration, retired as customary ahead of the Trump administration's inauguration.

He served as the U.S. Ambassador to Malaysia during former President Barack Obama's administration and in 2016 took over as the State Department's Special Representative for North Korea Policy, succeeding Sung Kim. Born in Korea, he moved to the United States in 1963 following his father, who worked for the World Health Organization (WHO), and graduated from the University of Wales and the London School of Economics and Political Science.

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