Presidential Office: "Korean and US Leaders Unleash a Waterfall of Liberal Democracy Values at Summit" [Korea-US Summit]

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] The Presidential Office referred to the summit between President Yoon Seok-yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden on the 21st as "a time to share the understanding that liberal democracy does not function on its own but requires effort and struggle."

A key official from the Presidential Office said at a briefing held on the morning of the 22nd at the Yongsan Presidential Office that the main topic in the small-group meeting between the two presidents was liberal democracy.

The official stated that the two leaders took turns discussing liberal democracy, adding, "President Yoon said he felt the crisis of liberal democracy after serving 27 years in the prosecution and decided to run for office. According to those who attended the small-group meeting, discussions about liberal democracy poured out like a waterfall."

The Korea-U.S. summit, initially scheduled for 90 minutes, extended to 110 minutes. Regarding this, a Presidential Office official said, "It is meaningful not because they are going together due to aligned interests, but because the two leaders empathize with the values and build trust. As the consensus between the two presidents grew, the rest of the discussions proceeded smoothly."

President Biden also defined the global situation as "a confrontation between democracy and dictatorship" during the joint press conference held after the summit and emphasized the need for cooperation among democratic countries such as Korea, the U.S., and Japan.

President Yoon, at the welcoming dinner following the summit, reiterated, "The Korea-U.S. alliance, forged through blood, has been a strong pillar in achieving growth and prosperity based on liberal democracy and a market economy," and added, "The Korea-U.S. FTA, which marks its 10th anniversary this year, has created more investment and jobs for both countries."

He continued, "Based on universal values such as liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, the alliance will develop beyond a security alliance into an advanced technology alliance and a global comprehensive strategic alliance," and stated, "We will draw the future vision of the Korea-U.S. alliance together with President Biden."