Lee Jae-myung Appoints Kim Hyun-jong, Key Figure in Korea-US FTA, as Foreign and Security Advisor

Kim Hyun-jong Played a Key Role in Foreign Affairs and Security During Roh and Moon Administrations
"We Must Upgrade the Korea-U.S. Cooperation Relationship"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, appointed Kim Hyun-jong, former Special Advisor for Foreign Affairs and Security to the President, as the party leader’s foreign affairs and security advisor on the 7th.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is appointing Kim Hyun-jong as the foreign affairs and security advisor ahead of the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 7th. 2025.2.7 Photo by Kim Hyun-min

Before the Supreme Council meeting that day, Leader Lee presented the appointment letter to the newly appointed Advisor Kim. Advisor Kim expressed his aspirations, saying, "On the 19th day since the inauguration of the second Trump administration, countries around the world are making every effort to respond to U.S. protectionism. At times like this, we must move forward strongly, tighten the Korea-U.S. cooperation relationship, and take this as an opportunity to upgrade it."

Advisor Kim evaluated the current situation, stating, “Through the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Korea-U.S. relationship has expanded from a military alliance and diplomatic-defense domain to the economic and trade sector. What should be noted is that security now extends beyond geopolitics and economic trade to the field of science and technology.” He added, “Korea’s security strategy is fundamentally based on the Korea-U.S. military agreement. We must respond promptly to trade issues such as taxation and gain significant benefits in shipbuilding and energy.”

Advisor Kim also emphasized, “It is necessary to strengthen the Korea-U.S. alliance further by concluding a Defense Mutual Procurement Agreement, which is an FTA in the defense sector, and to expand strategic cooperation in emerging security fields such as space.”

Finally, Advisor Kim stated, “I stand here to build a growing and strong Korea. I will do my best to raise the national dignity and strengthen national power.”

Advisor Kim led the Korea-U.S. FTA negotiations as Director-General of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade during the Roh Moo-hyun administration, and served as Director-General of Trade Negotiations at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and as the Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office during the Moon Jae-in administration.