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9. Ahn Ho-young

Questions following the epic success of Yoon's US visit: What about China and Russia?

President Yoon Suk Yeol's and his wife's recent state visit to the United States was a huge success. The visit took place in the year commemorating the 70th anniversary of the alliance between Korea and the U.S.

2023-05-09 16:20

Korea-US alliance at 70: whither to go?

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the ceasefire of the Korean War as well as the Mutual Defense Treaty between South Korea and the United States. Ten years ago, I used to be the Korean ambassador to the U.S., and worked with U.S. colleagues to organize the 60th anniversary of the ceasefire and the alliance.

2023-04-18 18:03

US must engage its allies more closely on its economic policy

Prof. Stephen Walt of Harvard University wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine one year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, “As the world moves toward multipolarity, alliances will only matter more.” I agree.

2023-03-14 16:52

Why can't we hang together on the North Korean nuclear issue?

“We must hang together, or surely we shall hang separately.” Benjamin Franklin is reputed to have said this on the eve of signing the Declaration of Independence. Delegates at the Continental Congress knew the grave risk they were assuming in getting engaged in the war of independence against the United Kingdom, one of the strongest military powers at the time. Franklin thought that the most important element to winning the war against such a formidable foe was a unity of purpose, and unity among the leaders of the colonies. I think he was right.

2023-02-20 16:50

Three cheers for Korea's Indo-Pacific Strategy

There are times when a government is expected to make a declaration on the basic orientation of its foreign and security policy. In my mind, we are presently living through one such time. I am glad that the Korean government rose to the occasion and brilliantly met that expectation.

2023-01-17 16:40

Why 'arms control' is not the solution

U.S. President Joe Biden made it clear early on that he would deal with the North Korean nuclear issue through “diplomacy and stern deterrence.” The U.S. in fact is significantly strengthening extended deterrence for Korea while at the same time, it keeps on inviting North Korea for dialogue.

2022-12-18 16:50

Korea and Poland: much closer than we think

It was last month through this column that I made three points on recommendations to advance relations between Korea and Japan under the title of “2 Dos and 1 Don't for Korea and Japan.” As a columnist, it is always encouraging when I get feedback from readers. This time, I got it from a somewhat unexpected source; an English-language program on Poland's public TV, TVP.

2022-11-16 14:33

2 'dos' and 1 'don't' for Korea and Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida made a speech at the Japanese Diet on Oct. 3. In the speech, Kishida described Korea as “an important neighbor with which Japan has to cooperate in order to deal with many issues in the international community.” He also said, “Japan will closely consult with Korea, because we have to return our bilateral relations to a solid one and further develop it.”

2022-10-18 18:12

Worrying aspects of Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 was signed into law by U.S. President Joe Biden on Aug. 16. The law has a lot of merits. It is believed to help the U.S. to reduce the deficit. It will help to lower prescription drug prices, which are too high by international standards as I experienced through many years of living in the U.S. Furthermore, it will significantly help to promote clean energy.

2022-09-12 17:40

Goodbye, Gen. Olmstead!

During my time as ambassador to the U.S., it was such an honor to meet with remarkable U.S. soldiers who fought valiantly during the Korean War, made huge sacrifices and took much pride in Korea's remarkably successful nation-building. Gen. Olmstead, who passed away on July 20, was one such soldier.

2022-08-16 17:00

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