Seoul: Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Joseph Yun underscored the necessity for complete alignment between Seoul and Washington during leadership transitions in both nations. Yun highlighted this approach as mutually acknowledged by both countries after meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and First Vice Minister Kim Hong-kyun, shortly after stepping into his role to maintain the bilateral alliance amidst political turmoil in Seoul following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yun expressed confidence in the shared commitment to cooperation and alignment between the nations, echoing sentiments from both the incoming Trump administration and the outgoing Biden administration. "We need to be completely aligned, and I'm very delighted that they are of the same mindset," Yun stated after his meeting at the foreign ministry.
During discussions with Yun, Vice Minister Kim Hong-kyun emphasized the significance of continued progress under the incoming Trump administration and stressed the need for close collaboration on North Korea and its nuclear threats. Kim sought Yun's assistance in ensuring effective communication with Washington.
In response, Yun committed to strengthening and advancing the bilateral alliance at the embassy level. The ministry reported that Yun also held brief discussions with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on alliance matters. Yun's arrival in Seoul on Saturday followed the State Department's announcement of his appointment as charge d'affaires ad interim in Seoul.
Yun, having previously served as the U.S. special representative for North Korea from 2016-18, is expected to remain in his role until President-elect Donald Trump appoints a new ambassador to South Korea.