Chargé d'Affaires James Heller,
Distinguished Guests and Dear Friends,
Let me begin by offering my warmest congratulations on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.
In the long arc of history, 250 years is by no means exceptionally lengthy.
Yet, few nations have been as consequential to shaping the world as the United States.
What makes America's story truly extraordinary is not simply its might. It is the power of its ideals; and the ability to continually renew itself while remaining true to its founding ideals.
In his inaugural address, President George Washington spoke of liberty as a "sacred fire."
For the past 250 years, that sacred fire has inspired countless people around the world, not least the people of Korea.
The values of freedom and democracy championed by America's Founding Fathers took deep root in Korea.
Indeed, they became so deeply embedded in our national character that the Korean people have reflexively opposed attempts to undermine those values over the decades. As we all know, that commitment manifested itself again 15 months ago.
We also know that "Freedom is not free." The Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. is an ever-present reminder of those powerful words.
More than seventy years ago, hundreds of thousands of young Americans crossed the Pacific to defend the sacred fire of liberty—for a country they had never seen and for the people they had never met.
Thanks to their noble sacrifice, Korea proudly stands today as a resilient and prosperous democracy. We will never forget their courage and devotion.
With its security assured by the Alliance with the United States, Korea has transformed itself into a thriving economic and cultural powerhouse.
It is home to Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix and countless others that help power the global economy.
Korea is also home to BTS and K-Pop Demon Hunters.
Not every alliance can claim contributions to both HBM chips and demon hunters.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, our Alliance also stands as a linchpin of peace and security not only on the Korean Peninsula, but also across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
Throughout more than seven decades together, we have continuously strengthened and expanded our partnership.
This is the story of our Alliance.
And now, our Alliance is ready for another monumental leap forward.
Last year, President Lee Jae Myung and President Trump opened a new chapter in our Alliance through a historic agreement.
If the ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty of 1953 marked the birth of our Alliance, the Joint Fact Sheet last year is the beacon for its future.
By modernizing our Alliance, we will be better prepared to effectively meet emerging challenges while better securing our nations.
Korean investments and robust economic cooperation will create jobs, drive innovation, and underpin growth in a fast-changing world.
Our strategic cooperation—especially in areas such as nuclear energy and cutting-edge technologies—will bring even greater benefits to both our peoples.
These changes will enable our Alliance to better navigate the uncertainties of tomorrow,
no matter how high the waves.
A stronger Korea that pulls its weight will make the Alliance more capable, more forward-looking, and more mutually beneficial.
The strength of our Alliance also comes from outside of government corridors.
It comes from countless individuals that form the connective tissue between our two nations— they arebusiness leaders and workers, scholars, students, scientists, and artists.
Many of them are gathered in this room tonight.
Their roles have been indispensable to strengthening our Alliance over the past seven decades.
Together, Korea and the United States will continue to preserve the sacred fire of liberty and democracy for generations.
And together, we will pass the legacy on to future generations.
In that spirit, it is crucial that we bring our younger generations closer together.
Therefore, one idea that came to mind that we could explore would be sending a group of young Koreans, maybe 250, to the United States as 21st century Tocquevilles— empowering our co-authors of the future to be hand in hand with their American peers in promoting our shared value.
May I dare to speak of the next 250 years of our Alliance?
On this evening celebrating America's first 250 years, I believe I can.
Korea will remain America's most reliable and capable partner as we shape the future together.
Once again, congratulations on the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.
And now, please join me in a toast.
To our enduring friendship; and to the next 250 years of freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity that Korea and the United States will build together.
같이 갑시다!
We go together!