Arirang News
•
2nd May 2023
Rep. Andy Kim says S. Korea, U.S. 'together, no matter what'
미 하원 앤디킴, "미국은 절대 한국이 안보공백에 노출되지 않게 할 것"
Following President Yoon's state visit to the U.S.
We hear from Andy Kim -- a U.S. Congressman with Korean ancestry --on what he has to say about the South Korea-U.S. alliance going beyond the executive branches of the two countries.
Our Kim Do-yeon sat down with him.
U.S. diplomat-turned-lawmaker Andy Kim says South Korea and the United States are in it together, no matter what happens, as the two countries mark the 70th year of their bilateral alliance.
Speaking to Arirang News following President Yoon Suk Yeol and Joe Biden’s summit last week, Kim stressed that the summit proved Washington is committed to working with Seoul in various strategic areas.
"Anything that happens, happens together. There's going to be that consultation and we can absolutely have assurances that we will never leave South Korea exposed and vulnerable. That's part of what this was all about. We have strategic interest in South Korea as a whole, and that's something that we're going to protect."
Kim also said that two leaders showing a "embedded relationship," and that level of engagement will help the two get through global conflicts that two countries may face in the future.
He also added the alliance goes beyond just the two presidents, and that there's a bipartisan support at U.S. Congress, which plays a key role in the alliance as well.
In fact, at the U.S. Senate, while President Yoon was in Washington, a resolution was unanimously passed, which welcomed the state visit by President Yoon and highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Korea alliance.
"I also recognize that you gotta have the resources and that deeper commitment, and that's what comes with the U.S. Congress, and that's why it was so important that we have that joint session an opportunity for all of us in Congress to come together and recognize and support the alliance."
In light of the U.S. observance of AAPI month in May, Kim also shed light on his role as a Korean American and also an Asian American in the legislative branch.
There are currently four members of the House with Korean ancestry, evenly split between the Democrats and Republicans.
"When we see right now rising discrimination and violence against the Asian American community you can't guarantee that the government is going to focus on that. It helps to have the people that understand you experiences and challenges in certain communities and background."
Kim further highlighted the role of Asian Americans as a bridge in the global community in times of high geopolitical tensions.
“When we're focused on these issues about foreign policy about having increased action towards Indo-Pacific, we have tensions and challenges between us and China, it's good to have Asian Americans be able to be people that not only understand the nuances here in America but could also potentially be a bridge in helping us engage in the rest of the world too."
Calling South Korea a "top-tier" world power, Kim also expressed hope that South Korea will continue to step up not only as a regional leader but a global pivotal state.
Kim Do-yeon, Arirang News, Washington, D.C.
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2023-05-02, 12:00 (KST)
