Yoon: "International Concern Over North Korea-Russia Military Cooperation... Will Support Koreans Through Strengthening ROK-US Alliance"

Hosting a Meeting with Korean Residents in Hawaii
"NATO and Indo-Pacific Countries Cooperate for Responsible Roles"
"President Rhee Syngman Established the Foundation of the Nation"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is giving a greeting at a meeting with overseas Koreans held at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, on the 8th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol, visiting Hawaii, USA, pointed out on the 8th (local time) that "Russia and North Korea are adding to international concerns by engaging in military and economic cooperation that directly violates United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions." He added, "The government will play a responsible role by cooperating with NATO member countries that share universal values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region."

That evening, President Yoon held a meeting with overseas Koreans at a hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, stating, "We will contribute to ending the Ukraine war swiftly and help the international community achieve peace and prosperity."

Expressing concern, President Yoon said, "As the Ukraine war has continued for the past two and a half years, all countries are threatened in terms of energy, food, supply chains, and security. Prices for daily necessities are soaring worldwide." He emphasized the need for a swift end to the Ukraine war.

President Yoon particularly stated, "We will solidify the Korea-US alliance and open a future of joint prosperity for both countries, while also supporting the overseas Korean community." He emphasized, "Thanks to the overseas Koreans who have become a strong bridge between Korea and the US, the Korea-US alliance is now closer and stronger than ever." He added, "Korea and the US are a global comprehensive strategic alliance, and the scope of cooperation between the two countries is expanding dramatically in terms of both region and content." He explained that his four visits to the US last year were also aimed at strengthening the Korea-US alliance and broadening Korea's diplomatic horizons.

"International Expectations for Korea's Role Are Growing"

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee attended a meeting with overseas Koreans at the Sheraton Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, on the 8th (local time), greeting the welcoming crowd of local Koreans and others at the hotel entrance.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

President Yoon highlighted achievements such as the Washington Declaration in April last year, the strengthening of the Korea-US alliance, and the trilateral cooperation system among Korea, the US, and Japan, giving significance to attending the NATO summit for the third consecutive year. He stated, "We are entering an era where the security of the Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific cannot be separated, which shows that international expectations for Korea's role are growing accordingly."

He also said, "The government established the Ministry of Overseas Koreans in June last year, and now one year has passed. We will thoroughly review the projects the Ministry has promoted so far, listen carefully to your voices, and provide more systematic and meticulous care and support to overseas Koreans."

President Yoon recalled, "Hawaii holds great significance in the immigration history of our people as the starting point of Korean immigration to the US. It was on January 13, 1903, that 102 Koreans first set foot in Hawaii." He added, "Many overseas Koreans sent remittances from their tight salaries to support the independence movement of our homeland, which was under colonial rule. This place was also where the first President Syngman Rhee devoted himself to nurturing talent and the independence movement, laying the foundation for the nation's establishment."

He continued, "Today, the Korean community in Hawaii is enhancing Korea's status and rights in many fields of American society, including politics, law, culture, arts, science and technology, and the economy." He pledged, "We will actively support the next generation of Koreans in Hawaii to take pride in their Korean identity and demonstrate greater capabilities in local society."

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee are applauding while watching a cultural performance by the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra string quartet at the Korean community meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, on the 8th (local time).
[Image source=Yonhap News]

First Lady Kim Keon-hee also attended the meeting with overseas Koreans that day. About 130 overseas Koreans, including Seo Dae-young, president of the Korean Association of Hawaii, participated. According to a written briefing by presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung, when President Yoon and the First Lady arrived at the venue entrance, about 100 Americans in military uniforms lined up waving the Taegeukgi and the US flag to welcome them.

Seo Dae-young, president of the Korean Association of Hawaii, who gave a welcoming speech on behalf of the overseas Koreans, said, "The government's prompt support of $2 million for the Maui Island fire in August last year and the highest honors given during the repatriation of seven Korean War fallen soldiers' remains in July last year left a great impression on American society."

Hawaii Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke expressed gratitude and pride, saying, "Koreans in Hawaii have made great contributions to Hawaii's development over the past 120 years. When the Maui Island wildfire caused significant damage in August last year, Korea was the first among all countries worldwide to provide support, for which I am thankful." She conveyed her appreciation to President Yoon.

David Cho, legislative aide to the Hawaii State Senate, shared his experience as a second-generation immigrant learning about Korean history and culture through interactions with relatives in Korea, and said, "I will continue to do my best to be a proud member of the Korean community."

Yoon: "Hawaii Koreans Contributed to Founding by First President Syngman Rhee"

Concluding the event, President Yoon said, "Since taking office, we have strengthened networks among overseas Koreans from various countries and created the Ministry of Overseas Koreans to provide more opportunities on a broader stage. Although there is still room for improvement, we will strive to ensure that overseas Koreans enjoy more opportunities."

He concluded, "Hawaii Koreans materially and spiritually contributed to the founding of the nation by the first President Syngman Rhee, establishing the foundation of today's liberal democracy and market economy. We will never forget that behind the development of our homeland are the Hawaii Koreans."

At the event, Korean musicians active in the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra performed 'Arirang,' BTS's 'Permission to Dance,' and Bach's unaccompanied cello suite in G major. President Yoon and the First Lady took commemorative photos with the performers after the concert to encourage them. Attending from the government and the presidential office were Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol, National Security Office Director Jang Ho-jin, Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Kang Ho-pil, Ambassador to the US Cho Han-dong, Consul General in Honolulu Lee Seo-young, and First Deputy Director of the National Security Office Kim Tae-hyo, among others.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee attended a meeting with overseas Koreans at the Sheraton Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, on the 8th (local time), greeting the welcoming crowd of local Koreans and others at the hotel entrance.
[Photo by Yonhap News]