[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Philip Goldberg, the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Korea, has been showing an active pace since his inauguration on the 10th.
Ambassador Goldberg is expanding face-to-face contacts by meeting with senior officials in South Korea's government on diplomacy and security, as well as personally attending cultural and sports events.
According to diplomatic circles on the 17th, Ambassador Goldberg spent his first weekend in Korea experiencing local culture by eating samgyetang on Chobok (the first of the three hottest days in summer) and watching the KBO All-Star Game.
On the 16th, Goldberg posted photos on his Twitter account visiting Tongin Market in Jongno-gu and a samgyetang restaurant in Seoul, saying, "My first Chobok in Korea," and "I had a delicious bowl of samgyetang to endure the heat and also toured Tongin Market."
He added, "I am excited to experience more things, so please let me know your favorite places or foods in Korea."
That same evening, he posted photos watching the KBO All-Star Game at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul with KBO President Hur Koo-yeon. Goldberg introduces himself as a baseball fan on his Twitter account.
He wrote, "Chimaek (fried chicken and beer), bibim guksu (spicy mixed noodles), KBO All-Star Game, auspicious rain, and my first-ever drone show," adding, "It was a wonderful time to wrap up my first week in Korea. Congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the KBO."
On the same day afternoon, Goldberg attended the Seoul Queer Culture Festival held at Seoul Plaza, visiting the joint booth of the U.S. Embassy and the British Embassy in Korea, and went up on stage with representatives from other embassies to deliver a message of solidarity.
Ambassador Goldberg spoke out against discrimination toward sexual minorities at the Seoul Queer Culture Festival.
He said, "I just arrived in Korea this week, but I really wanted to attend this event," emphasizing, "The reason is to show America's commitment to opposing discrimination against sexual minorities and ensuring everyone is respected."
He stated, "We stand with you," and "We will fight alongside you for equality and human rights." He continued, "No one can be left behind," and "Thank you for coming here. (The U.S.) will continue to fight for human rights."
Arriving in Korea on the 10th, Ambassador Goldberg said in his greeting at Incheon International Airport, "I look forward to meeting people from diverse backgrounds."
He is also consulting with senior government officials on ways to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance.
On the morning of the 12th, Goldberg visited the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building to submit a copy of his letter of credence. The letter of credence is a diplomatic document sent by the head of the sending country to the head of the host country, guaranteeing the ambassador.
Although the formal procedure is to submit the original letter of credence to President Yoon Suk-yeol before official duties begin, it is usually difficult to schedule with the host country's head of state, so a copy is submitted first to start work.
On the same day, he paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Park Jin, stating, "This is a very important time for Korea-U.S. relations," and "Since there is much to do as allies, I hope we can cooperate closely going forward."
Ambassador Goldberg told Minister Park, "At the Korea-U.S. summit in May, the two countries developed the alliance into a global strategic partnership, and 'economic security' has also become very important."
In response, Minister Park said, "Your appointment as the first U.S. ambassador to Korea under the new administration shows the Biden administration's commitment to strengthening the Korea-U.S. alliance," adding, "We face many global challenges such as North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, changes in supply chains and economic security issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic."
Diplomatic circles expect that since Ambassador Goldberg's inauguration, the Korea-U.S. alliance and the diplomatic and security lines of both countries will be further strengthened.
Goldberg assumed his post in Korea on the 10th. As the first U.S. ambassador to Korea under the Biden administration, the vacancy in the U.S. ambassador position was filled after one year and six months since the departure of former ambassador Harry Harris.
During the Obama administration, Goldberg served as the U.S. State Department's coordinator for UN sanctions enforcement on North Korea and led the UN Security Council Resolution 1874 on North Korea sanctions, earning the nickname "North Korea's Grim Reaper."
Accordingly, diplomatic circles predict that Korea and the U.S. will continue a tough stance on North Korea to realize denuclearization. If North Korea refuses to engage in dialogue unconditionally based on denuclearization, the Korea-U.S. governments are expected to strengthen unilateral sanctions against North Korea.
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