Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha states Seoul will act as pacemaker for US-North Korea dialogue

Diplomatic Outreach and US-North Korea Dialogue

Ambassador Kang highlighted recent messages from United States President Donald Trump regarding potential talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, noting that Seoul is closely watching these developments. As a direct party, the South Korean government will create conditions where constructive discussions for trust-building and dialogue resumption between North Korea and the US can take place, Kang said. Seoul aims to use this foundation to encourage broader engagement among concerned parties, striving to achieve an end to the war, a transition to a peace regime, and the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. This diplomatic push follows a summit last week between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, after which mentions of North Korean denuclearization disappeared from official joint announcements—a situation that has prompted indirect concerns from Seoul.

Defense Contributions and Alliance Modernization

Alongside her remarks on inter-Korean diplomacy, Ambassador Kang addressed specific demands from the Trump administration regarding burden-sharing and defense spending. She described South Korea as an exemplary ally that is strengthening its own defense capabilities through increased defense budgets and purchases of advanced US weapon systems. Kang also pointed to Seoul's commitment to maintaining a strong combined defense posture while pushing for an early transition of wartime operational control based on conditions. Regarding US pressure for support in the Strait of Hormuz, Kang stated that South Korea will work closely with the US and the international community to restore freedom of navigation and safety.

Strategic Industrial Investments in Artificial Intelligence

On the economic front, Ambassador Kang updated attendees on the implementation of a 350-billion-dollar US investment pledge targeting strategic industries. She noted that specific projects are now being selected to give the investment practical shape. Focusing on artificial intelligence—an area where President Trump has emphasized maintaining a competitive edge over China—Kang stated that AI 시대를 맞아 양국의 공동 번영과 미래 산업을 강화할 구체적 프로젝트들이 선정됐다 [in the era of AI, specific projects to strengthen joint prosperity and future industries of both countries have been selected]. She added that these investments will generate high-paying jobs and deliver tangible benefits to citizens in both countries. The event marked the 76th anniversary of the recapture of Seoul during the Korean War on September 28, 1950. Attendees included US Department of Defense Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary John Nol, State Department Japan-Korea Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary David Weigl, Senator Andy Kim, and Representative Joe Wilson, alongside approximately 600 officials, diplomats, and think-tank representatives.