- Discussion Highlights a Shift Toward a ‘Strategic Industry and Value-Chain Alliance’ in the Evolving ROK-US Partnership -

Ambassador and Deputy Minister for Public Diplomacy Jung Ki-hong attended the 2025 ROK-US Public Diplomacy Forum, held on November 18 (Tuesday) in Washington, D.C., and met with senior officials from the U.S. Department of State on the occasion.

The Forum, co-hosted by the Hudson Institute and the Korea Institute for National Unification and sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, convened under the theme “Navigating Uncertainties: The Evolving Future of ROK-US Relations.” Ambassador Jung joined experts from both countries to discuss the future of the ROK-US alliance, prospects for bilateral economic cooperation, and public perceptions shaping the long-term trajectory of the relationship.

*Key participants from the Korean side included Ambassador Jung Ki-hong; Min Taeeun, Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification; Min Jeonghun, Professor at the Korea National Diplomatic Academy; Lee Seong-hyon, Senior Fellow at the George H.W. Bush Foundation for U.S.-China Relations; Go Myong-hyun, Director of the Security Strategy Division at the Institute for National Security Strategy; and Kim Minsung, Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. U.S. participants included Patrick M. Cronin, Asia-Pacific Security Chair at the Hudson Institute; Bruce Klingner, Senior Fellow at the Mansfield Foundation; David Maxwell, Vice President of the Center for Asia Pacific Strategy; Oh Miyeon, Korea Chair at the RAND Corporation; and Joel Scanlon, Executive Vice President of the Hudson Institute.

Held under the Chatham House Rule, the Forum featured candid assessments of how the ROK-US alliance—anchored in the trust reaffirmed at the bilateral summit in Gyeongju—is advancing beyond its traditional security focus toward a strategic industry and advanced technology alliance. Participants noted that the Joint Fact Sheet issued at the summit in Gyeongju broadened the alliance’s horizon from security to economic prosperity and cutting-edge technology, and they agreed on the need for an innovative operating framework to put this shift into practice. Experts highlighted that key elements of the Joint Fact Sheet, including the approval of USD 150 billion in shipbuilding-sector investment and support for nuclear-powered submarine construction, represent decisive and forward-looking commitments by both leaders.

Some experts also emphasized the strategic perspective that the vitality of the Korean economy directly serves U.S. national security interests. Participants exchanged a wide range of views on cooperation for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, the modernization of the alliance, and efforts to reduce non-tariff barriers to expand bilateral trade. Some participants observed that the ROK-U.S. summit in Gyeongju allowed the U.S. to secure a trusted supply-chain partner in strategic industries such as shipbuilding, while Korea, through its world-class competitiveness in shipbuilding and semiconductors and anticipated cooperation on nuclear-powered submarines, is positioned to further expand the alliance’s potential.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Ambassador Jung held meetings with Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah Rogers and Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Michael DeSombre. They discussed ways to expand bilateral public diplomacy cooperation and reviewed follow-up measures related to the recent incident in the state of Georgia.

In his meeting with Under Secretary Rogers, Ambassador Jung commended the policy achievements reflected in the Joint Fact Sheet released on the occasion of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju. Both sides affirmed the importance of strengthening a public diplomacy framework built on ROK-US-Japan cooperation, and discussed joint initiatives in connection with the United States’ 250th Independence Anniversary in 2026, as well as ways to expand exchanges among future generations. In his meeting with Assistant Secretary DeSombre, Ambassador Jung underscored that resolving entry-related difficulties and visa issues faced by Korean corporate personnel is critical to sustaining momentum in bilateral cooperation. The two sides agreed to continue collaboration through the ROK-US Visa Working Group, implement follow-up measures related to the incident in the state of Georgia, and support stable business operations for Korean companies.