Video Call with U.S. Eighth Army at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek
Jokes About "How About Kim Jong-un?"
President Donald Trump of the United States and First Lady Melania Trump are taking a commemorative photo at the Freedom Inaugural Ball on the 20th (local time). (AP·Yonhap News)
On the evening of January 21 (local time), after his inauguration ceremony, U.S. President Donald Trump held a video call with soldiers from Camp Humphreys in South Korea during a military ball for military officials.
That day, President Trump had a video call with Lieutenant General Christopher Lanev, Commander, and Sergeant Major Robin Bomar, among others from the U.S. Eighth Army stationed in South Korea. The Eighth Army headquarters is located at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
While attempting the video connection, President Trump joked, "How about Kim Jong-un (Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea)?" He also added, "How is the situation in South Korea? I have built a good relationship with him, but he is a tough cookie."
Commander Lanev said, "We train every day and maintain a strong state," adding, "We are prepared to do whatever the President may require." He also responded, "The alliance is strong," and "We are ready to welcome you, Mr. President."
This video call drew attention as President Trump, emphasizing increased defense cost-sharing by allied countries, chose the U.S. forces in South Korea for his first communication with overseas deployed troops as commander-in-chief after returning to the White House.
President Trump visited South Korea in November 2017, the first year of his first term, and visited Camp Humphreys.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
