In a press statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the [South] Korean people as you celebrate your national day."
"For over 70 years, the United States and [South Korea] have forged an alliance based on shared values and mutual interests," he said, vowing to "stand with" South Korea which "has flourished as a resilient democracy and valued economic partner."
He also expressed his expectations for "collaborating" with President Lee Jae-myung to strengthen the bilateral alliance.
Meanwhile, a large-scale event is set to take place in Gwanghwamun, central Seoul, marking the country's independence from Japanese colonial rule in 1945, along with a series of other events in celebration of Lee's inauguration in early June.
The event comes about two months after Lee took office with a low-key ceremony on June 4, as he had no time to spare for a full transition period as he was elected through a snap election to replace former disgraced President Yoon Suk Yeol who was impeached over his botched Dec. 3 declaration of martial law last year.
Former presidents and their widows except Yoon and his wife Kim Keon-hee were invited to the event, but only former President Moon Jae-in and his wife Kim Jung-sook, along with Kwon Yang-sook, the wife of the late former President Roh Moo-hyun, are expected to attend.
To create a festive mood, a slew of singers and performers is set to take the stage at a pre-event on the lawn of the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on Thursday night.
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