Korea Society Chairman: "South Korea and the U.S. Are Now Co-Partners"

The Stage of South Korea-U.S. Relations Shifts to the Midwest and South of the United States

Abraham Kim, the new Chairman of the Korea Society, stated on May 13 (local time) that despite controversies such as tariff disputes, the relationship between South Korea and the United States has evolved from a one-sided dynamic to a genuine partnership.

Abraham Kim, Chairman of the Korea Society. Yonhap News Agency

Speaking to reporters at the Korea Society office in Manhattan, New York, Kim remarked on the bilateral relationship, saying, "In the past, the United States led and South Korea followed in a 'Senior-Junior Relationship.' Now, South Korea has become a 'Senior Co-Partner' moving forward together with the United States."

He compared recent issues between the two countries—such as the tariff dispute and the controversy related to Coupang—to a marriage, suggesting that the fundamental nature of the relationship will remain solid.

Kim noted, "Just as differences of opinion or conflicts can arise in a marriage, these do not break the relationship itself," adding, "The important thing is to continually remind leaders of the significance of the South Korea-U.S. relationship and to ensure that the relationship matures in line with the changes of the times."

He explained that the bilateral relationship is currently undergoing changes, and that it is only natural for leadership styles and diplomatic approaches to shift with each administration. Nevertheless, Kim emphasized that the strategic importance of the South Korea-U.S. alliance will remain intact even amid these changes.

He particularly noted that as Korean companies expand their investments in the United States to the South and Midwest regions, the geographical foundation of bilateral cooperation is also changing. Whereas the relationship was once centered around Washington D.C. and New York, it is now expanding nationwide, especially to regions where manufacturing investments are concentrated.

Kim stated, "It is expected that approximately $300 billion to $350 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) will flow from South Korea to the United States in the coming years." He added, "The regions where these investments are concentrated are crucial to the South Korea-U.S. partnership, but historically, Korea's influence has been relatively limited in these areas."

He mentioned Louisiana, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, and Texas, emphasizing, "It is important to expand educational and people-to-people exchanges in these regions."

He went on to say, "We are past the stage of simply explaining that Korea possesses many excellent and important things. Now is the time to turn heightened interest into tangible cooperation and connections." He also highlighted, "This is truly an opportunity to properly promote the importance of Korea and the South Korea-U.S. alliance," pledging to focus on nurturing next-generation leaders and expanding human networks.

The Korea Society, founded in 1957, is a nonprofit organization based in New York dedicated to promoting friendship between South Korea and the United States through educational and cooperative programs that foster economic, cultural, and policy exchanges. Abraham Kim, who took office in January this year, is the first Korean-American to serve as chairman.

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