The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted a special luncheon on October 21 at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon, inviting U.S. Ambassador Michelle Steel and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Jay B. Brunson. The event focused on security and economic issues, examining the development of cooperation between the two countries based on the strong U.S.-Korea alliance.
Approximately 200 attendees, including representatives from domestic and international companies, participated in the luncheon, which celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The theme was 'The U.S.-Korea Alliance in a Changing Global Landscape: Strengthening Security, Prosperity, and Partnership.'
During the event, Commander Brunson stated, "Cooperation between North Korea and Russia is evolving to a dangerous level, and gray zone activities continue to test our (Korea-U.S.) resolve and regional stability." He emphasized that despite the changing environment, the mission to maintain the armistice and defend South Korea remains unchanged.
He added, "The threats from North Korean ballistic and cruise missiles are becoming more sophisticated. Joint exercises and training are not intended to start a war but to deter one." Brunson further noted that the Korea-U.S. alliance is more about people than material or weapon systems, asserting that effective deterrence begins with individuals and is sustained by industrial and technological foundations.
Ambassador Michelle Steel highlighted the need for American companies operating in Korea to compete fairly and without discrimination in a level playing field. She stressed that the truth guiding the Korea-U.S. relationship is that prosperity and security cannot be separated, underscoring the importance of economic security cooperation.
James Kim, AMCHAM Chairman and CEO, expressed his honor in hosting two key figures representing the military and diplomatic pillars of the Korea-U.S. alliance. He stated, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is stronger than ever, with an expanding scope of cooperation and increasing significance. Based on solid security, it has evolved into a partnership that connects the economies, industries, and peoples of both nations beyond defense."
He continued, "From shipbuilding and semiconductors to batteries, aerospace, and defense, the two countries are nurturing industries that will shape the future of economic and national security. Economic security and national security are now inseparable, and AMCHAM will continue to strengthen cooperation in both areas."
Attendees also discussed the changing role of South Korea in the international community, key challenges for the Korea-U.S. alliance, and the future of U.S. Forces Korea. They explored the potential for South Korea to develop into a regional logistics support hub by leveraging its defense manufacturing capabilities, as well as ways to enhance military readiness and expand defense industry cooperation. In the area of economic security, they discussed policy coordination between the two countries to support corporate investment and innovation, with key topics including improving regulatory predictability in the digital sector, creating a fair competitive environment, and U.S. investments in energy and liquefied natural gas (LNG) cooperation.
This luncheon was significant as it addressed the increasingly interconnected nature of security and economic issues while discussing the role and key cooperation tasks of the Korea-U.S. alliance. AMCHAM plans to continue facilitating dialogue as a bridge between the governments and businesses of both countries, expanding opportunities for economic and industrial cooperation.
Founded in 1953 to promote investment and trade between the Republic of Korea and the United States, AMCHAM is the largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea. It actively supports the activities of over 800 member companies working to sustain and develop the mutually beneficial relationship between Korea and the U.S. and strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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