US Ambassador Goldberg Completes Term: "Korea Will Overcome Difficulties"

Focusing on Strengthening Alliances... Ending 36 Years as a Diplomat
"Democracy and Human Rights Principles in Trump's Second Term"

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, concluded his 36-year diplomatic career as his term ended.

On the morning of the 7th, Ambassador Goldberg spoke to reporters at Incheon International Airport before departing for the United States, saying, "After two and a half years, I am leaving Korea, which has been my home and a place I have deeply cared for."

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to Korea, who is returning after completing his term, is waving his hand and greeting after a brief interview with the Korean press at the VIP room of Terminal 2, Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 7th. Photo by Yonhap News

He expressed, "I leave with mixed feelings of relief and regret, but I also know that returning to the U.S. marks the end of my diplomatic career and the beginning of a freer life and new adventures." He added, "Korea is currently going through a difficult period, but I believe the Korean people will overcome it well," emphasizing, "Korea is an amazing country, with a great democracy that will continue to function and solve problems."

Regarding Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol, he said, "He is a true diplomat," and "We maintained a very good relationship." About the conversation with Minister Cho on the 4th, following the lifting of martial law, he stated, "As diplomats usually do, that conversation will remain confidential," but also said, "I respect Minister Cho."

On the prospects of North Korea-U.S. talks under the Trump administration, he expressed a reserved stance. He emphasized that although the current administration offered talks to North Korea unconditionally, provocations continued.

Regarding concerns that the next administration might focus negotiations on arms reduction rather than complete denuclearization, he said, "(North Korea's) denuclearization remains an important principle to follow," adding, "Denuclearization is crucial for non-proliferation and peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and there are various ways to achieve it."

When asked if value-based diplomacy would continue in a 'second Trump term,' he replied, "I think so," and said, "Democracy and human rights will continue to be part of the expression of the American people."

Philip Goldberg, the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, who is completing his term and returning home, is giving a brief interview to the Korean press on the morning of the 7th at the VIP lounge of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport before departing for the United States. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, Ambassador Goldberg was appointed in July 2022 after about a year and a half of vacancy in the U.S. Ambassador to South Korea position. Since then, he has worked to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation among Korea, the U.S., and Japan. He mentioned that Joseph Yun, former U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy at the State Department, will soon enter Korea as the Charg? d'Affaires ad interim.