U.S. Embassy Hosts Reception for Presidential Security Service, Expresses Gratitude for Gyeongju APEC Security Cooperation

First-Ever Reception Invitation at the Ambassador's Residence
Proposal for Regular Meetings

The Presidential Security Service announced on January 15 that it attended a reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy at the Ambassador's residence on the 12th, in appreciation of the security cooperation provided for the state visit of U.S. President Donald Trump during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju last year. This marks the first time since the establishment of the Ambassador's residence in 1891 that the U.S. Embassy has invited the Presidential Security Service for such a reception.

At the reception hosted by the Presidential Security Service held at the U.S. Ambassador's residence on the 12th, staff from the U.S. Embassy and the Security Service are conducting a working cooperation meeting. (Photo by Presidential Security Service)

President Trump, upon completing his two-day state visit to Korea on October 30 last year, expressed his gratitude to the dedicated security team of the Presidential Security Service before his departure, stating, "It was a true honor to be with you all." The event was attended by about 20 executives and staff members from the Presidential Security Service.

James R. Heller, Charg? d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, delivered a welcoming address in which he highly praised the flawless security cooperation between Korea and the United States during the Gyeongju APEC Summit and President Trump’s visit.

He also recalled the close collaboration between the Korean Presidential Security Service and the U.S. Secret Service (SS) during President Lee Jaemyung’s visit to the United States for the Korea-U.S. summit in August and the United Nations General Assembly in September last year. He expressed hope for continued and strengthened cooperation between the two countries’ authorities, grounded in the steadfast Korea-U.S. alliance, and proposed regular meetings and communication.

In response, Park Gwanchun, Policy Director of the Presidential Security Service, expressed gratitude for Heller’s invitation and requested that Heller, who has a deep understanding of East Asia, including Korea, China, and the Pacific region, continue to play a key role in the robust development of the Korea-U.S. alliance. He emphasized, “Now is the time to firmly establish a foundation of restraint, professionalism, and mutual respect based on the strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance,” and expressed his expectation that the alliance between the two countries would be further strengthened based on the successful execution of security missions to ensure the absolute safety of both heads of state.

Prior to the reception, the Presidential Security Service and the U.S. Embassy in Korea held a separate cooperation meeting to discuss key issues, including: measures for work coordination and smooth information sharing during U.S. state visits to Korea; work processes for state events following the relocation of the presidential office; and criteria for distinguishing security subjects.

The Presidential Security Service stated, “This reception and cooperation discussions served as an opportunity to reaffirm the strengthened security cooperation between Korea and the United States, prompted by President Trump’s state visit,” and added, “We expect that trust and cooperation between the two countries will continue to be solidified throughout international events and summit diplomacy.”