https://www.congress.gov/118/crec/2023/04/27/169/71/CREC-2023-04-27-pt1-PgH2053-7.pdf
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
{time} 1044
JOINT MEETING TO HEAR AN ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY YOON SUK YEOL,
PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA
During the recess, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 10
o'clock and 44 minutes a.m.
The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms, Ms. Kathleen Joyce, announced
the Vice President and Members of the U.S. Senate, who entered the Hall
of the House of Representatives, the Vice President taking the chair at
the right of the Speaker, and the Members of the Senate the seats
reserved for them.
The SPEAKER. The joint meeting will come to order.
The Chair appoints as members of the committee on the part of the
House to escort His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic
of Korea, into the Chamber:
The gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise);
The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer);
The gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik);
The gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul);
The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson);
The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter);
The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill);
The gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim);
The gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain);
The gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel);
The gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries);
The gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark);
[[Page H2054]]
The gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar);
The gentleman from California (Mr. Lieu);
The gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. DelBene);
The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn);
The gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng);
The gentleman from California (Mr. Gomez);
The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim); and
The gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Strickland).
The VICE PRESIDENT. The President of the Senate, at the direction of
that body, appoints the following Senators as members of the committee
on the part of the Senate to escort His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol,
President of the Republic of Korea, into the House Chamber:
The Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin);
The Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar);
The Senator from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin);
The Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray);
The Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez);
The Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell);
The Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Thune);
The Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito);
The Senator from Iowa (Ms. Ernst);
The Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines); and
The Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch).
The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Acting Dean of
the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Ashok Mirpuri, the Ambassador of
Singapore.
The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps entered the Hall of the House
of Representatives and took the seat reserved for him.
At 11 o'clock and 5 minutes a.m., the Acting Sergeant at Arms,
William P. McFarland, announced His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President
of the Republic of Korea.
The President of the Republic of Korea, escorted by the committee of
Senators and Representatives, entered the Hall of the House of
Representatives and stood at the Clerk's desk.
(Applause, the Members rising.)
The SPEAKER. Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and the
distinct honor of presenting to you His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol,
President of the Republic of Korea.
(Applause, the Members rising.)
President YOON. Mr. Speaker, Madam Vice President, honorable Members
of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, ladies and
gentlemen, dear citizens of America, ``A new Nation, conceived in
liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created
equal.''
I stand before that Nation with the conviction of freedom, belief in
the alliance, and the resolve to open a new future.
For 234 years, Congress has been the symbol of freedom and democracy.
This Chamber embodies the spirit of the Constitution. I am honored to
address the Members of Congress and the people of the United States.
Thank you, both Democrats and Republicans, for passing the resolution
marking the 70th Anniversary of the alliance. Your support has
dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with
Korea.
Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has
always led the world in defense of freedom.
Imperial nations fought for colonies. And humanity greatly suffered
from the two world wars. America righteously stepped in to defend
freedom, but it was not without cost.
We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz,
but more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific
War. Their sacrifice was not in vain.
U.S. leadership established the New World order based on free trade.
It brought peace and prosperity throughout the world, but prosperity
was limited to free market economies where communist totalitarian
nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and
communist blocs.
In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union
helped to rearm North Korea. North Korea's surprise attack threatened
the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea's freedom and
democracy were on the brink.
At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean
and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely.
Tales of our heroes were written.
General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard with the landing of
Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of
the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war.
The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through a wave of
120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Lake Changjin.
Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to ``defend a
country they never knew and a people they never met.''
In the Battle of Lake Changjin alone, 4,500 American servicemembers
lost their lives. Over the course of the war, almost 37,000 U.S.
soldiers fell.
The late Colonel William Weber fought in the Battle for Hill 324 in
Wonju. He lost his right arm and leg. Yet, this American hero dedicated
his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by the Korean war
veterans.
Today, we are honored to have his granddaughter, Ms. Dayne Weber,
with us. Ms. Weber, would you stand up, please?
On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We
salute his noble service and sacrifice.
Thank you.
Some of the Korean war heroes are your family and friends. The late
John Conyers, Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran
Congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. The former
Representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the
alliance.
Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us
to defend freedom.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean war veterans
and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and
daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the
call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific.
I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean war as a
proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and
respect.
The war ended after 3 years of intense battle. Our two nations signed
the Mutual Defense Treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever
since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving
nation. At every step, America has stood together with Korea.
We have many reasons to celebrate our platinum anniversary. We had no
guarantees of success when we started, but today our alliance is
stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like
no other. Indeed, it has been the lynchpin safeguarding our freedom,
peace, and prosperity.
Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history
to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our
alliance.
Let me talk about the history of our alliance. The ties of our
cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of
diplomatic relations in 1882.
In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely
introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values
are the foundations of Korea's Constitution. They have made a huge
impact on our independence movement and the founding of Korea.
Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton, and Rosetta Hall
are some of the missionaries who set foot in Korea at the end of the
19th century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education
of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to
advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor
Rostow's model for economic growth. President Park Chung-hee wisely
embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the
foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country.
Known as the ``Miracle on the Han River,'' Korea's economic growth
rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the
[[Page H2055]]
least developed countries after the war. Its annual income was just
U.S. $67 per capita. Now its economy ranks 10th in the world.
Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world's most
vibrant digital cities.
Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world's
second largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. It is also
bidding to host the World Expo 2030.
Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic.
Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and
democracy throughout the world. Since World War II, Korea dispatched
its warriors of freedom. We fought side-by-side with the U.S. in
Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
For over 70 years in the history of the alliance, we worked together
in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in
the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral
assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial.
The KORUS FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress
in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68 percent.
Korean companies' investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies'
investment in Korea has nearly doubled.
Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They
are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products
here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-
paying jobs.
Take Austin, Texas: Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly
10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia: Hyundai's EV and battery plant is
expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000
electric vehicles every year, and it will employ thousands of
Americans.
Take Bay City, Michigan: It is home to SK Siltron CSS, where
President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American
companies merging to achieve even greater growth.
I hope to see more economic cooperation in the other parts of
America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support.
My friends, years of active cultural and people-to-people exchanges
have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th
anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S.
Early Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugar cane plantations
in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many
parts of the American society. They have played an important role
fostering closer friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn
Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance
spanning generations; that is two for each party. It is a relief that
you are evenly praised across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and
friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer
barriers.
Korean movies ``Parasite'' and ``Minari'' have won Oscars. Hollywood
films ``Top Gun'' and ``The Avengers'' are loved by Koreans. I also
loved ``Top Gun: Maverick'' and ``Mission Impossible.''
Even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and BLACKPINK. BTS
beat me to the White House, but I beat them to Capitol Hill. Korean and
American singers reaching high places in each other's music charts is
no longer a surprise.
The U.S. created global platforms like Netflix. Korea has produced
popular series such as ``Squid Game.'' We are creating a new pattern of
synergy.
These cultural exchanges have brought our peoples closer. According
to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Americans' positive views of
Korea reached the highest level since 1978. According to a Pew survey
last year, Koreans' positive views of the U.S. reached 89 percent. It
marks the largest increase among all the countries surveyed.
Korea and the U.S. agreed to set up an assistance program for our
students. It will help them to study and find jobs actively in each
other's country.
Honorable Members of Congress, I have had two careers in my life. My
first job was as a public prosecutor. My second job is serving as the
President of my beloved country.
As prosecutor, my role model was the late Robert Morgenthau. He was
the real-life character of District Attorney Adam Schiff in ``Law &
Order.'' When I was the prosecutor general, I printed a book titled
``Robert Morgenthau: America's Eternal Attorney.'' I shared it with my
junior prosecutors.
In the preface, I included the phrase: ``an attorney who is silent in
the face of great evil will not even stop pickpockets in the
neighborhood.''
Today, our democracy is at risk.
Democracy is a community's political decisionmaking system to protect
freedom and human rights. Such decisionmaking must be based on truths
and freely formed public opinion.
But today in many parts of the world, false propaganda and
disinformation are distorting the truth and public opinion. They are
threatening democracy.
The rule of law allows the freedoms of everyone to coexist. It is
upheld by parliamentary democracy.
False propaganda and disinformation corrupt intellectualism. They
threaten democracy and the rule of law.
Such totalitarian forces may conceal and disguise themselves as
defenders of democracy or human rights. But in reality, they deny
freedom and democracy.
We must not be fooled by such deception and disguise.
We have for so long protected democracy and the rule of law with our
blood and sweat. We must work together and fight the forces of
falsehood and deception that seek to destroy democracy and the rule of
law.
Those who cherish freedom also protect the freedom of others. Thus,
freedom brings peace. Peace, in turn, safeguards freedom. Freedom and
peace are sources of creativity and innovation. They bring prosperity
and abundance.
Our alliance was forged 70 years ago to defend Korea's freedom. The
alliance has now become a global alliance that safeguards freedom and
peace around the world. Korea will fulfill its responsibilities. It
will play its part that matches its economic capacity.
In his 1961 inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy said: ``My
fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but
what together we can do for the freedom of man.''
Korea will stand in solidarity with the international community. We
will do what we can for the freedom of humanity.
Korea, with the U.S., will march toward the future.
As I took office last year, I pledged to rebuild Korea: a nation
belonging to the people rooted in freedom, democracy, and market
economy; a nation that the people can be truly proud of as it fulfills
its role as a responsible member of the international community.
Together with the U.S., Korea will play the role as a ``compass for
freedom.'' It will safeguard and broaden the freedom of citizens of the
world.
But even as we walked in unison for freedom for 70 years, there is
one regime determined to pursue a wrong path. That is North Korea.
The difference is stark between Seoul that chose freedom and
democracy and Pyongyang that chose dictatorship and communism. North
Korea has abandoned freedom and prosperity and dismissed peace.
North Korea's nuclear program and missile provocations pose a serious
threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
To deter its reckless behavior, the alliance must stand united with
determination. As President Reagan once said: ``There is a price we
will not pay. There is a point beyond which they must not advance.'' We
must make his words clear to North Korea.
Yesterday, President Biden and I agreed to strengthen the U.S.
extended deterrence. Along with close Korea-U.S. coordination, we need
to speed up Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral security cooperation to counter
increasing North Korean nuclear threats.
My government will respond firmly to provocations. But at the same
time, we will keep the door open for dialogue on North Korea's
denuclearization.
Last year, I proposed the Audacious Initiative. It will significantly
improve North Korea's economy and livelihood. All Pyongyang has to do
is to stop its
[[Page H2056]]
nuclear program and begin a substantive denuclearization process.
I once again urge North Korea to cease its provocations and take the
right path. Korea, with the U.S., will continue to work for North
Korea's denuclearization.
North Korea's obsession with nuclear weapons and missiles is throwing
its population into a severe economic crisis and human rights abuses.
We must raise global awareness of the dire human rights situation in
North Korea. We must not shy away from our duty to promote freedom for
North Koreans.
Last month, my government published a report on North Korean human
rights. We released it to the public for the first time.
The report documents a wide range of abuses in North Korea. It is
based on the testimonies of 508 North Korean defectors collected over
the past 5 years. It records many cases of serious violations of
international norms such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
and other human rights agreements.
Unspeakable and horrendous incidents took place: men and women being
shot and killed for violating COVID-19 prevention measures; some being
publicly executed for watching and sharing South Korean shows; and
people being shot in public for possessing the Bible and having faith.
We need to raise awareness. We must inform the world of the gravity
of North Korea's human rights violations. I ask for your help in
improving North Korea's grim conditions.
My friends, freedom and democracy are once again under threat. The
war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an
attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force. Korea
strongly condemns the unprovoked armed attack against Ukraine.
When North Korea invaded us in 1950, democracies came running to help
us. We fought together and kept our freedom. The rest is history.
Korea's experience shows us just how important it is for democracies
to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free
world. We will actively work to safeguard the freedom of the people of
Ukraine and support their efforts in reconstruction.
Honorable Members of Congress, so far six Korean Presidents spoke at
this important Chamber. The first Korean President, Dr. Rhee Syngman,
delivered his speech in 1954. After 35 years, in 1989, President Roh
Tae-woo standing at this podium said the following:
``The nations of the Pacific have made open society and market
economy the engines that drive the fastest growing region in the world.
The Pacific will become even more important to the U.S., and Korea will
begin to contribute more to the prosperity and peace of the region. . .
. I look forward to the day when some future Korean Presidents may be
invited to address this distinguished assembly and describe the vision
I spoke of today as an achievement fulfilled, not as tomorrow's hope.''
President Roh's vision has become a reality.
We are currently living in the Indo-Pacific era. This region is home
to 65 percent of the global population and 62 percent of the world GDP.
It accounts for half of global maritime transportation.
Last year, Korea announced its first comprehensive Indo-Pacific
Strategy. Korea is committed to fostering a ``free, peaceful, and
prosperous Indo-Pacific'' based on inclusiveness, trust, and
reciprocity.
We will strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. We will
take a comprehensive and multilayered approach in expanding cooperation
with key partners.
This also means that the stage for the alliance is expanding.
Korea used to receive assistance from USAID. It is now sharing its
experience with developing countries in partnership with the U.S. Korea
has greatly increased its ODA budget. It is providing tailored programs
in tune with the needs of its partners.
Yesterday, President Biden and I adopted a joint statement. It
presents a vision of the ``alliance in action towards the future.''
Together, our two countries will broaden our alliance.
Together, we will lead in innovation beyond security and foreign
policy. We will work closely on artificial intelligence, quantum
technology, bioscience, and Open RAN.
Our partnership in the cutting-edge semiconductor industry will
contribute to establishing stable and resilient supply chains. It will
also address economic uncertainties.
Together, we will open another new successful chapter. We will
explore new frontiers in outer space and cyberspace.
Korea and the U.S. are the world's top technological powers leading
innovation and creativity. Together, we will create a great synergy.
Mr. Speaker, Madam Vice President, and Honorable Members of Congress,
our alliance is an alliance of universal values. Freedom, human rights,
and democracy are the very foundations of our bonds.
Our alliance is for justice.
Our alliance is for peace.
Our alliance is for prosperity.
Together, our alliance will continue to move towards the future.
We will build the world of tomorrow that opens endless opportunities
for our future generations.
I look forward to everyone being on board for our new journey
together.
God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and may God
bless our great alliance.
Thank you.
(Applause, the Members rising.)
At 12 o'clock and 3 minutes p.m., His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol,
President of the Republic of Korea, accompanied by the committee of
escort, retired from the Hall of the House of Representatives.
The Acting Sergeant at Arms escorted the invited guests from the
Chamber in the following order:
The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
미 의회 한미동맹 70주년 결의안(0426)
https://www.congress.gov/118/crec/2023/04/26/169/70/CREC-2023-04-26-pt1-PgS1370-5.pdf
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