On Thursday, the Presidential Security Service attended a reception hosted by the U.S. Embassy in South Korea. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the APEC summit in Gyeongju and to share the significance of security cooperation between the United States and South Korea.
In a press release issued that morning, the Presidential Security Service said it participated in a reception held on the 12th at the ambassador’s residence. It explained that the U.S. Embassy organized the event to express gratitude for the security cooperation provided during President Donald Trump’s state visit, which coincided with the Gyeongju APEC summit.
This marked the first time since the embassy’s establishment in 1891 that the U.S. Embassy invited the Presidential Security Service to a reception at the ambassador’s residence. It also noted that following his two-day state visit on October 30 last year, President Trump conveyed his appreciation to the Presidential Security Service security team, saying it had been a true honor to work alongside them.
The reception served as a platform to commemorate the successful security collaboration between U.S. and South Korean authorities during the large-scale APEC summit. This cooperation was built on mutual trust and ensured absolute safety. Approximately 20 officials and staff members from the Presidential Security Service attended the event.
James R. Heller, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, delivered a welcome speech. He highlighted the close cooperation between the South Korean Presidential Security Service and the U.S. Secret Service during President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to the U.S. for the South Korea-U.S. summit last August and the UN General Assembly in September. Heller expressed hope for continued and strengthened collaboration between the two nations, rooted in the solid foundation of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. He also proposed regular meetings and communication.
Policy Officer Park Kwan Cheon of the Presidential Security Service responded with gratitude for Heller’s invitation. Park emphasized Heller’s deep understanding of East Asia, including South Korea and China, and requested his continued crucial role in strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
Park said the time has come to firmly establish a foundation of restraint, professionalism, and mutual respect grounded in the strength of the U.S.–South Korea alliance. He added that there is an expectation that the alliance will further deepen through the successful execution of security missions that ensure the absolute safety of both presidents.
Before the reception, the Presidential Security Service and the U.S. Embassy held a separate cooperation meeting. They focused on key issues such as collaboration and smooth information sharing during U.S. state visits, the process for state events following the relocation of the Blue House, and the criteria for distinguishing security subjects.
The Presidential Security Service concluded that the reception and related discussions on cooperation reaffirmed that security cooperation between the United States and South Korea has been further solidified since President Trump’s state visit. It added that trust and collaboration between the two countries are expected to continue strengthening through future international events and diplomatic processes.