Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party, met with Michelle Steel, the new U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, on the 15th, emphasizing the need to strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance and security cooperation against North Korea.

Receiving Ambassador Steel at the National Assembly that afternoon, Jang said, "While I believe the South Korea-U.S. alliance remains strong, I also harbor deep concerns and reflections regarding its current state and future."

Jang stressed, "The global order is shifting rapidly with expanding geopolitical conflicts, armed confrontations between nations, and the retreat of multilateralism. Marking its 73rd anniversary this year, the South Korea-U.S. alliance must also be upgraded to match these changing times."

He continued, "The foundation of an alliance is trust. To firmly build trust, both sides need to share the same values while making concerted efforts to increase mutual benefits."

Jang also raised concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. "North Korea is steadily raising the level of its security threats. By deploying troops to the Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean forces are accumulating modern warfare experience, while also accelerating military buildup, including the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear-powered submarines," he said, emphasizing that "South Korea and the U.S. must reinforce security cooperation to confront North Korea's threats together."

Regarding North Korean human rights issues, he noted, "It is not merely a matter concerning our compatriots, but a path toward realizing universal human values. We can no longer overlook the appalling reality facing our northern compatriots, who are deprived of even basic freedom and human rights."

He added, "We will spare no effort to improve human rights conditions in North Korea by working closely with liberal democracies and further solidifying trilateral cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., and Japan."

In response, Ambassador Steel said, "South Korea is playing a pivotal role on the world stage, promoting peace and prosperity. I hope Representative Jang and the People Power Party will continue to support and cooperate on initiatives that strengthen our bilateral alliance and solidify our economic partnership moving forward."

                                                                                                            Kim Dong-wook