On September 5, Jung Chung-rae, the leader of the Democratic Party, met with Joseph Yuosang Yun, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to South Korea. Jung stated that the American public hopes that the U.S. President can serve as a peacemaker capable of reviving the stalled peace process in inter-Korean relations. He added that it holds high expectations for America’s role in this matter.
During their meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, Jung said that as President Lee Jae-myung mentioned, they look forward to a day when a Trump World is established in North Korea—a scenario in which South Korea, the U.S., and North Korea can enjoy playing golf together.
Jung further noted that President Lee will visit New York on August 23 to chair a public discussion as part of the United Nations (UN) Security Council. Further noting that it hopes he will have another opportunity to meet with President Donald Trump during his trip to the U.S.
He mentioned that President Trump is scheduled to visit South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit at the end of October. Jung added that it hopes that even brief interactions between President Lee and President Trump will positively influence U.S.-South Korea relations as well as inter-Korean relations.
Jung emphasized that as a responsible leader of the ruling party, he will do his utmost to ensure the success of President Lee and the government. He noted further that he will actively support the forging of a new U.S.-South Korea alliance by President Lee and President Trump. He also called for close collaboration with Chargé d’Affaires Yun to advance U.S.-South Korea ties.
Chargé d’Affaires Yun commented on the recent U.S.-South Korea summit, stating that the most noteworthy aspect was that the two leaders established a personal rapport during their meeting. He observed that although it was their first encounter, there was a sense of mutual understanding and effective communication.
He added that both leaders demonstrated a strong and unwavering commitment to the importance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, emphasizing that both countries are prepared to defend each other under their mutual defense treaty when necessary. Further noting that it is significant that this commitment is closely integrated into the bilateral relationship.
Yun further stated that both leaders share a common perspective on cooperating regarding North Korea, and they empathize with one another on this issue. He pointed out that the North Korean issue is not only crucial for the Korean Peninsula but also of global significance.
He continued that it is meaningful that the summit showcased both leaders’ willingness to reintegrate North Korea into the international community and make progress toward denuclearization. He also stressed the importance of close cooperation with the National Assembly, highlighting their shared heritage from the Chungcheong Province.
In response, Jung remarked that he hopes to see Chargé d’Affaires Yun more frequently, as though he were a neighbor rather than a distant relative, and added that he comes from Geumsan in Chungnam, and Chargé d’Affaires Yun hails from Nonsan, so their backgrounds are quite similar.
