US Acting Ambassador to South Korea Shows Confidence in Nation's Strength
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Tehran, Jan 12 (NationPress) Joseph Yun, the acting US ambassador to Seoul, stated his intention to enhance the bilateral alliance, conveying a sense of optimism that South Korea will successfully navigate its political trials and emerge more resilient.
The charge d'affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Seoul made these comments upon his arrival at Incheon International Airport, situated to the west of Seoul, on Saturday, shortly after the retirement of former US envoy Philip Goldberg.
Yun, who previously served as the US special representative for North Korea, has been appointed to this interim role just ahead of the inauguration of incoming US President Donald Trump on January 20, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
“There are really fundamental pillars of US-ROK relationships. The core pillar is, of course, the alliance relationship,” Yun told reporters, referencing South Korea's official designation as the Republic of Korea.
“I've spent half of my professional life trying to strengthen the relationship between two countries and I really look forward to contributing to that,” he added.
Yun, who had a tenure at the US embassy in Seoul nearly two decades ago, remarked that returning to the country during such a pivotal moment is “very meaningful.”
His appointment occurs during a period of political uncertainty in South Korea, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to a brief declaration of martial law on December 3.
When questioned about the political climate in South Korea, Yun recognized the “ups and downs” that any government faces, yet expressed faith in the nation's resilience.
“What I know is that there have been many challenges,” Yun stated. “Each time, South Korea has emerged stronger and I have no doubt that would be the case again.”
