U.S. Envoy: "Korea-U.S. Leaders to Meet at Gyeongju APEC"

Joseph Yun, Charg? d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, announced on the 17th that President Donald Trump will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Gyeongju next month.

Joseph Yun, Charg? d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, is delivering the keynote speech at the 25-1st Korea-U.S. Alliance Conference held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on September 17, 2025. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

In his keynote speech at the 25-1st Korea-U.S. Alliance Conference held at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on this day, Yun said, "Last month, the presidents of Korea and the United States held a successful summit," adding, "They will also meet at APEC." He emphasized, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is stronger than ever, from top leadership down."

The U.S. side has not yet officially announced President Trump's attendance at the APEC summit.

Yun stated, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is firmly committed not only to the Korean Peninsula, but also to promoting peace, prosperity, and security around the world." He added, "The alliance must now adapt and change to meet 'new threats and new realities.' This is a very large project." His remarks are interpreted as suggesting a check on China in connection with the ongoing discussions between Korea and the United States on "modernizing the alliance."

He continued, "I am very pleased to see recent progress in Korea-Japan relations and in trilateral cooperation among Korea, the United States, and Japan. With the era of Japanese imperialism now in the past, I believe it is time for Korea and Japan to reach out to each other and cooperate based on their shared interests." Regarding Korea-U.S. relations, he said, "President Trump has expressed his commitment to advancing Korea-U.S. cooperation in the shipbuilding industry," and added, "Strengthening industrial cooperation between Korea and the United States will help revitalize U.S. manufacturing, enhance maritime capabilities, create jobs, and drive the development and growth of both countries." He further stated, "The United States can make significant contributions in areas such as oil and natural resources."

While Yun did not directly comment on the recent detention of Korean workers in Georgia, United States, he indirectly addressed the issue by stating, "People-to-people exchanges are extremely important for strengthening our alliance."