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| National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, left, and Lt. Gen. Willard M. Burleson, commander of the Eighth U.S. Army, raise their glasses for a toast at an event celebrating the 70-year bilateral alliance between South Korea and the United States at the Assembly in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap |
Seoul in festive mood to celebrate 70 years of 'expanding' partnership
By Jung Min-ho
South Korea's National Assembly speaker on Wednesday called for the formation of a joint body with the United States for lawmakers as the two democratic allies seek to reinforce cooperation in combating growing external threats to democracy.
During an event celebrating the 70-year bilateral alliance at the National Assembly, Speaker Kim Jin-pyo stressed the need to create a "new platform" for the further development of the diplomatic relationship.
His statement came amid President Yoon Suk Yeol's state visit to Washington, where ruling party lawmakers, led by People Power Party (PPP) floor leader Rep. Joo Ho-young, are set to meet with members of the U.S. Congress on Thursday (local time) to talk about the possibility of such a platform.
If launched, the body is expected to play a central role in parliamentary diplomacy, for which South Korea's lawmakers have been stepping up efforts in recent years. In February, the Assembly passed a bipartisan resolution calling for a stronger South Korea-U.S. alliance. Its two other organizations of that kind ― with Japan and China ― have not been able to attract such united support.
Amid growing threats from authoritarianism, democracy, in which the legislature plays a pivotal role, has become a more symbolically important word in diplomacy under U.S. President Joe Biden. South Korea was, along with the U.S., one of the five co-hosts of the second Summit for Democracy this year and will host its third event in 2024.
At the Assembly reception, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said democracy, freedom, human rights and rule of law have been among the key values that underpin the South Korea-U.S. partnership over the past seven decades. He then expressed hope for strengthening the ties to make a bigger success story over the next 70 years.
"Partnerships based on common interests exist everywhere, but the ones based on common values are few," he said. "This is what keeps the South Korea-U.S. alliance firm … It has been evolving and expanding as a comprehensive partnership that reaches the space arena today, beyond the Korean Peninsula and East Asia."
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| The Republic of Korea Navy Band performs at a concert to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the South Korea-U.S. alliance at Jangchung Arena, central Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap |
To mark that relationship "forged in blood" in the 1950-53 Korean War against North Korea and its communist allies, special exhibitions and events have been planned in the capital for the coming months.
The Seoul Museum of History is now preparing to hold a photo exhibition highlighting the United Nations Command's role in the conflict as well as U.S.-led efforts to help South Korea rebuild after the war. The exhibition will be staged for more than three months from June 20.
Another photo exhibition by Seoul Baekje Museum, scheduled from April 27 to 30, will shed light on the history of Korean immigration to the U.S. and what roles the settlers have played in terms of the two countries' relations.
During the same period, the Seoul Metropolitan Library will hold a book fair, where visitors will be able to see books about U.S. history and literature as well as travel information.
In front of military officers and their families of the two countries, the Republic of Korea Navy Band staged a concert on Wednesday evening to mark the alliance and the 478th anniversary of the birth of Yi Sun-sin, a revered admiral and military leader.
The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is also planning to hold street concerts at Gwanghwamun Square on Friday and Sunday, as part of efforts to promote what this year means for the two countries.
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