South Korean president Yoon addresses joint meeting of Congress
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday addressed a joint meeting of Congress, becoming the third world leader to do so since President Biden took office. In a nearly hour-long speech, delivered in English, Yoon praised the “synergy” between the United States and South Korea, called on North Korea to end its nuclear provocations, and warned against the threat disinformation poses to democracies around the world.
Yoon entered the House chamber shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday to a rousing reception, and took several minutes to greet lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as he made his way to the floor.
Referring to the United States as a nation “conceived in liberty,” Yoon said, “I stand before that nation with a conviction of freedom, belief in the alliance, and a resolve to open a new future.”
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Yoon paid tribute to U.S. troops who served in the Korean War, noting that tens of thousands of them died to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific.
“Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met,” he said.
Since the end of the Korean War, Yoon said, South Korea has experienced meteoric industrialization and growth to become the 10th largest economy in the world. Seoul, once reduced to ashes, is now one of the world’s “most vibrant digital cities,” he added.
“Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic, freedom is thriving and democracy is robust,” said Yoon, later peppering his speech with references to Korean artists, television shows and movies — BTS, Blackpink, “Squid Game” and “Parasite” — that have become popular in American culture.
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Yoon drew a sharp contrast between South Korea and North Korea, warning that the latter’s nuclear program and provocations pose a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond. Yoon also warned that propaganda and disinformation were threats to democracy in many parts of the world.
“We must not be fooled by such deception and disguises,” he said. “We have for so long protected democracy and the rule of law with our blood and sweat. We must work together and fight the forces of … deception that seek to destroy democracy and the rule of law.”
The South Korean leader also reaffirmed the country’s commitment to defending Ukraine, condemning Russia’s unprovoked attack and ongoing war.
“The war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force,” Yoon said. “Korea’s experience shows us just how empowering it is for democracies to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free world.”
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Yoon concluded by declaring that the U.S.-Korean alliance stood for justice, peace and prosperity, and received a bipartisan standing ovation after his remarks.
President Biden and first lady Jill Biden greeted President Yoon Suk Yeol and the first lady of the Republic of Korea on April 26. (Video: The Washington Post)
Yoon’s address to Congress was part of a formal state visit marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the United States and South Korea. The six-day trip has so far included a visit to the Korean War Memorial, a bilateral meeting at the White House and frequent declarations of the ironclad friendship between the two countries.
“It’s an unbreakable bond, forged in bravery and the sacrifice of our people, sanctified by the blood of American and Korean troops who fought and defended liberty,” Biden said Wednesday.
On Wednesday night, the Bidens hosted Yoon and his wife at the White House for an elaborate state dinner — where the South Korean leader surprised the crowd by singing one of his favorite songs, “American Pie.”
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“The next state dinner we’re going to have — you’re looking at the entertainment,” a delighted Biden told Yoon afterward, presenting him with a guitar autographed by Don McLean, who wrote and recorded the song. “I had no damn idea you could sing.”
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol sang “American Pie” by Don McLean to state dinner guests at the White House on April 26. (Video: The Washington Post)
Congressional leaders invited Yoon to address Congress in a letter sent this month that was signed by House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
“The relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea is one of great importance and significance,” the leaders of the House and Senate wrote. “Your leadership has been instrumental in strengthening this partnership, and we believe the Joint Meeting would provide an ideal platform for you to share your vision for the future of the U.S.-Korea alliance and to highlight the progress that has been made in recent years.”
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It has become a modern tradition for foreign leaders to address a joint meeting of Congress, if invited, during their formal state visits to the United States. In Biden’s time in office, there have been two such addresses — one by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and another by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last year during his surprise visit to Washington.
Yoon, a former prosecutor who took office last May with no previous political or foreign policy experience, last made headlines for remarks in the United States when he was caught on a hot mic last fall, insulting members of Congress as “idiots” who could be a potential embarrassment for Biden if they did not approve funding for global public health.
At the time, Yoon had just met with Biden at the Global Fund’s Seventh Replenishment Conference in New York City. There, Biden had pledged $6 billion from the United States to the public health campaign, which fights AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria worldwide. The funding required congressional approval.
“It would be so humiliating for Biden if these idiots don’t pass it in Congress,” Yoon was overheard telling a group of aides as they left the event. Video of the exchange quickly went viral in South Korea. Yoon’s office denied that his remarks were targeted at the United States.
Congress ultimately approved the funding.
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Source: The Washington Post
