Remarks by President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea at the Center for Strategic & International Studies
The Honorable Dr. John Hamre, distinguished guests,
The United States is the first destination of my overseas trip as President, and I am delighted to meet you today.
As soon as I took office, before I had met President Trump in person, I had a telephone call with him. During our conversation, President Trump emphasized that the ROK-U.S. alliance was not simply a good alliance but a "Great Alliance”—words that left a powerful impression on me. That is why the title of my remarks as well as the preamble of the ROK-U.S. Joint Statement include the words “greater alliance.”
Distinguished participants,
Standing here today, I would like to reaffirm with you the friendship Korea and the United States have built for more than a century.
In 1885, the first modern hospital in Korea, called “Gwang Hae Won,” was founded by an American missionary, Dr. Horace Allen. American missionaries took the lead in establishing modern institutions for education and medicine in Korea while also backing the Korean independence movement against Japanese occupation. Furthermore, the U.S. intelligence agency worked with our provisional government and supported our military exercises.
In 1950, the most tragic war in Korean history broke out. Two days ago, the first place I visited after arriving in the United States was the Jangjin Reservoir Battle Memorial. This battle was recorded as one of the most fiercely fought battles of the Korean War, during which the U.S. 1st Marine Division endured weather that was even “colder than hell.” They broke through the siege of the enemy who outnumbered them ten times over and, thanks to this, the famous Hungnam Evacuation was made possible.
During the massive Hungnam Evacuation, the U.S. military safely evacuated over 100,000 refugees who had swarmed to Hungnam wharf to flee from North Korea. It was the largest humanitarian operation ever seen throughout history.
At the time, the U.S. cargo freighter, the SS Meredith Victory, discarded all weapons and military supplies and allowed the refugees to fill up the cargo hold. Over 14,000 refugees embarked on the ship to save their lives. Among them were my parents. The SS Meredith Victory departed from Hungnam on December 23, which was my sister's birthday, and arrived safely on December 25 at the southern island of Geoje-do in the Republic of Korea. Without a single casualty, this was a voyage of freedom and human rights. Even five babies were born during the voyage. It was indeed a miracle of Christmas. Two years later, on Geoje-do, where the SS Meredith Victory had arrived, I was born.
The son of refugees that the American soldiers rescued sixty-some years ago has become the President of the Republic of Korea and is here today meeting with you.
Honored guests,
Since the war, Korea has shown the world remarkable development and growth as you have already witnessed. The two wheels that drove Korea's development, democracy and a market economy—the core values our two countries have in common—are what America disseminated to Korea. Over the last seven decades, the ROK-U.S. alliance not only became the linchpin of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also contributed significantly to the economic and democratic advancement of Korea. This is what Korean people know very well.
The foundation for growth and development of Korea was laid by the United States, a treasured ally to whom we are grateful. Likewise, Korea, as an important ally to the United States, played a role in the maintenance of U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific and made a contribution to U.S. prosperity.
As our alliance progressed and expanded, many people in our two countries came to interact, influencing each other in diverse fields ranging from religion and culture to academic disciplines. A soldier who guarded the stronghold in the battle of Jangjin Reservoir and a crewman who sailed on the Meredith Victory are, in one way or another, connected to my life today. Just so, the relations between Korea and the United States are connected not only between our two countries and governments but between our two peoples.
Ladies and gentlemen,
There is a saying in Korea, “A deeply-rooted tree never sways in the wind and a deep spring never runs dry." This speaks volumes about our bilateral relationship. Over the course of time, we have formed a friendship that has taken deep root. The ROK-U.S. alliance moved forward in tandem with the history of Korea. This alliance runs deep and strong. Our alliance will never sway, and to this, my commitment remains firm.
Distinguished participants,
Recently, Korea went through an unprecedented political crisis—a crisis that was turned into an opportunity by the Korean people. Over the last few months, Koreans restored democracy and the Constitution and gave birth to a new administration with their own determination and strength and in the most peaceful and beautiful way. This is what the Korean people call the “Candlelight Revolution.”
You would agree that the Korean people set an exemplary model of what is dubbed "Plaza Democracy." They brought new life to democracy by staging candlelight protests in a public plaza.
The Candlelight Revolution marks the beginning for me as President. Korea is undertaking change to become a more democratic, equitable and just country. This is what the people, through the Candlelight Revolution, demanded that I do. Answering this call is my responsibility as President.
The deployment of THAAD prompted some people to voice concern over the future of our alliance. The discussion taking place inside the Korean Government on this issue is a matter of procedures to ensure democratic legitimacy and procedural transparency. This is a matter of crucial importance to my Administration that was born through the Candlelight Revolution. I respect the decision made by Korea and the United States. The Korean Administration's endeavors to observe the due process of law will prove to be beneficial also to the advancement of our alliance. On that note, I ask for your deep understanding and support.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me now share my thoughts on "a Greater Alliance," the title of my speech today.
The alliance between our two countries is already a great one. Still, it can be made even greater. I found that spirit in the battle of Jangjin Reservoir. At the time of the battle, the divisional commander Smith called the Hamhung Evacuation Operation, an "attack in a new direction," not a retreat. This is what defines the spirit of our alliance
Ahead of us is a special undertaking—an undertaking that has remained unsolved for the last 20 years as a historical conundrum. It is none other than the North Korean nuclear and missile issue, a threat that is already spreading beyond the boundaries of the Korean Peninsula and heading towards the United States.
Even as we face the most imminent and dangerous menace in the world, we should no longer retreat but move forward and take a new leap towards the future. This is how we can elevate the ROK-U.S. alliance to the next level, making it not just a good alliance, but a great one.
A great alliance is one that brings peace.
Korea and the United States have already agreed on initiatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula. The September 19 Joint Statement adopted at the Six-Party Talks in 2005 and the October 4 Inter-Korean Summit Declaration of 2007, which reaffirmed the 2005 Statement, both comprehensively dealt with the complete dismantlement of the North Korean nuclear program and the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Without doubt, there was close coordination between Korea and the United States.
Calling for peace is one thing, but making it happen involves extremely arduous endeavors. This is the truth that has been driven home to us over the past ten years since the September 19 Statement, which even specified implementation procedures but failed to be implemented. Moreover, the Kim Jung-un regime of the North has a misguided conviction that nuclear weapons and missiles will protect it.
Notwithstanding this, I am confident that the current moment presents an opportunity to restart this daunting task. President Trump made tackling the North's nuclear and missile issue his top foreign policy priority, a decision that no U.S. Administration has made thus far. This is why I believe we have a better chance of solving the North Korean nuclear issue now. I am committed to doing my utmost to leverage this opportunity.
In doing so, a robust ROK-U.S. alliance is the key premise. Building on the foundation of deterrence against North Korea's provocations and our ironclad combined defense posture, the Republic of Korea, together with the United States, will embark upon a journey towards a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.
Distinguished guests,
This is the journey our great alliance must embark on. This will be a long journey starting from the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and heading towards stability and peace in all of Northeast Asia. Our new direction should guide the United States away from "strategic patience" and, by mobilizing all available means, bring North Korea back to the negotiating table.
Provocations by the North must be met with stern and firm responses.
Yet, at the same time, engaging in dialogue with Chairman Kim Jung-un is also necessary, for he is the only one who can decide to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear weapons. For such dialogue, our goal is crystal clear. It is to induce Pyongyang to make its own decision on nuclear dismantlement.
Korea is a party directly concerned with Korean Peninsula issues. As a direct stakeholder, and also to never repeat the tragedy of another devastating war, Korea will assume a leading role more so than before. If Korea improves its relations with North Korea in close collaboration with the United States, the community of nations, including the United States, will also be able to build better relations with the North in due course.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Yesterday, I had an in-depth dialogue with President Trump on my vision. We concurred to work more proactively to preserve and build peace.
Let me make myself clear. President Trump and I do not pursue hostile policies against North Korea. We have no intention to attack North Korea. We have no wish to see its regime replaced or collapsed. We have no plan to artificially accelerate reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
Yet, let us also make ourselves clear to North Korea. Without a doubt, North Korea must understand that denuclearization is the only way to guarantee its security and economic development. The North must determine its own destiny. It cannot and should not blame others for its own fate.
The door to dialogue is wide open. North Korea stands at a critical crossroads. I sincerely urge Pyongyang to exercise prudence and seize the opportunity for peace and prosperity. If the North makes the right choice, I am ready to walk together with North Korea on the path of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
Distinguished guests,
Beyond the North Korean nuclear issue awaits numerous other challenges. Stability and prosperity in Northeast Asia must be promoted. Terrorism, environmental problems, refugees, starvation, infectious diseases and other trans-boundary issues require our collective efforts.
Restoring democracy, peace, human rights and other values of democracy in Northeast Asia and beyond is a way for the United States and Korea to demonstrate the significance of our alliance in contributing to world peace. Our two countries will build on our robust alliance to further strengthen our global partnership. We will reinforce our coalition in the fight against global terrorism and broaden the efforts for peace and reconstruction in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
Esteemed participants,
The most formidable obstacle to our alliance is complacency. The tasks confronting us are not easy, and unforeseen hardships may surface. Yet, we share a common goal as well as experience and foresight gained in the course of surmounting countless adversities. We must believe in ourselves and take decisive actions to translate our new initiatives into reality. We must make sure that North Korea chooses by itself the path towards peace. When that path is chosen on its own accord, peace can become complete and sustainable. On that note, I ask for your support for the faith I have. If our alliance is to transcend our two countries, to contribute to promoting peace and rebuilding values in Northeast Asia and the world, and to rise as a great alliance, we must pull our strengths together.
Finally and most importantly, I convey my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members of Mr. Otto Warmbier and the American people. Family is the root of our lives and the soil out of which we bear fruit. As a parent, myself, and as the leader of a U.S. ally, I also deeply feel the shock and grief of Mr. Warmbier's family and all American citizens that was caused by the brutalities of North Korea.
I feel a sense of responsibility that the unforeseen passing of Mr. Warmbier should not have been in vain. Under no circumstances should the value of family and human rights be tarnished. Together with you, I will never cease in my pursuit to preserve the values we all cherish. If not for anything else than safeguarding American citizens, including U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea, as well as my own people, there must be a solution to the North Korean nuclear quagmire.
Once again, I sincerely thank you for your time today.
Thank you.
The Honorable Dr. John Hamre, distinguished guests,
The United States is the first destination of my overseas trip as President, and I am delighted to meet you today.
As soon as I took office, before I had met President Trump in person, I had a telephone call with him. During our conversation, President Trump emphasized that the ROK-U.S. alliance was not simply a good alliance but a "Great Alliance”—words that left a powerful impression on me. That is why the title of my remarks as well as the preamble of the ROK-U.S. Joint Statement include the words “greater alliance.”
Distinguished participants,
Standing here today, I would like to reaffirm with you the friendship Korea and the United States have built for more than a century.
In 1885, the first modern hospital in Korea, called “Gwang Hae Won,” was founded by an American missionary, Dr. Horace Allen. American missionaries took the lead in establishing modern institutions for education and medicine in Korea while also backing the Korean independence movement against Japanese occupation. Furthermore, the U.S. intelligence agency worked with our provisional government and supported our military exercises.
In 1950, the most tragic war in Korean history broke out. Two days ago, the first place I visited after arriving in the United States was the Jangjin Reservoir Battle Memorial. This battle was recorded as one of the most fiercely fought battles of the Korean War, during which the U.S. 1st Marine Division endured weather that was even “colder than hell.” They broke through the siege of the enemy who outnumbered them ten times over and, thanks to this, the famous Hungnam Evacuation was made possible.
During the massive Hungnam Evacuation, the U.S. military safely evacuated over 100,000 refugees who had swarmed to Hungnam wharf to flee from North Korea. It was the largest humanitarian operation ever seen throughout history.
At the time, the U.S. cargo freighter, the SS Meredith Victory, discarded all weapons and military supplies and allowed the refugees to fill up the cargo hold. Over 14,000 refugees embarked on the ship to save their lives. Among them were my parents. The SS Meredith Victory departed from Hungnam on December 23, which was my sister's birthday, and arrived safely on December 25 at the southern island of Geoje-do in the Republic of Korea. Without a single casualty, this was a voyage of freedom and human rights. Even five babies were born during the voyage. It was indeed a miracle of Christmas. Two years later, on Geoje-do, where the SS Meredith Victory had arrived, I was born.
The son of refugees that the American soldiers rescued sixty-some years ago has become the President of the Republic of Korea and is here today meeting with you.
Honored guests,
Since the war, Korea has shown the world remarkable development and growth as you have already witnessed. The two wheels that drove Korea's development, democracy and a market economy—the core values our two countries have in common—are what America disseminated to Korea. Over the last seven decades, the ROK-U.S. alliance not only became the linchpin of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula but also contributed significantly to the economic and democratic advancement of Korea. This is what Korean people know very well.
The foundation for growth and development of Korea was laid by the United States, a treasured ally to whom we are grateful. Likewise, Korea, as an important ally to the United States, played a role in the maintenance of U.S. leadership in the Asia-Pacific and made a contribution to U.S. prosperity.
As our alliance progressed and expanded, many people in our two countries came to interact, influencing each other in diverse fields ranging from religion and culture to academic disciplines. A soldier who guarded the stronghold in the battle of Jangjin Reservoir and a crewman who sailed on the Meredith Victory are, in one way or another, connected to my life today. Just so, the relations between Korea and the United States are connected not only between our two countries and governments but between our two peoples.
Ladies and gentlemen,
There is a saying in Korea, “A deeply-rooted tree never sways in the wind and a deep spring never runs dry." This speaks volumes about our bilateral relationship. Over the course of time, we have formed a friendship that has taken deep root. The ROK-U.S. alliance moved forward in tandem with the history of Korea. This alliance runs deep and strong. Our alliance will never sway, and to this, my commitment remains firm.
Distinguished participants,
Recently, Korea went through an unprecedented political crisis—a crisis that was turned into an opportunity by the Korean people. Over the last few months, Koreans restored democracy and the Constitution and gave birth to a new administration with their own determination and strength and in the most peaceful and beautiful way. This is what the Korean people call the “Candlelight Revolution.”
You would agree that the Korean people set an exemplary model of what is dubbed "Plaza Democracy." They brought new life to democracy by staging candlelight protests in a public plaza.
The Candlelight Revolution marks the beginning for me as President. Korea is undertaking change to become a more democratic, equitable and just country. This is what the people, through the Candlelight Revolution, demanded that I do. Answering this call is my responsibility as President.
The deployment of THAAD prompted some people to voice concern over the future of our alliance. The discussion taking place inside the Korean Government on this issue is a matter of procedures to ensure democratic legitimacy and procedural transparency. This is a matter of crucial importance to my Administration that was born through the Candlelight Revolution. I respect the decision made by Korea and the United States. The Korean Administration's endeavors to observe the due process of law will prove to be beneficial also to the advancement of our alliance. On that note, I ask for your deep understanding and support.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Let me now share my thoughts on "a Greater Alliance," the title of my speech today.
The alliance between our two countries is already a great one. Still, it can be made even greater. I found that spirit in the battle of Jangjin Reservoir. At the time of the battle, the divisional commander Smith called the Hamhung Evacuation Operation, an "attack in a new direction," not a retreat. This is what defines the spirit of our alliance
Ahead of us is a special undertaking—an undertaking that has remained unsolved for the last 20 years as a historical conundrum. It is none other than the North Korean nuclear and missile issue, a threat that is already spreading beyond the boundaries of the Korean Peninsula and heading towards the United States.
Even as we face the most imminent and dangerous menace in the world, we should no longer retreat but move forward and take a new leap towards the future. This is how we can elevate the ROK-U.S. alliance to the next level, making it not just a good alliance, but a great one.
A great alliance is one that brings peace.
Korea and the United States have already agreed on initiatives for peace on the Korean Peninsula. The September 19 Joint Statement adopted at the Six-Party Talks in 2005 and the October 4 Inter-Korean Summit Declaration of 2007, which reaffirmed the 2005 Statement, both comprehensively dealt with the complete dismantlement of the North Korean nuclear program and the establishment of a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. Without doubt, there was close coordination between Korea and the United States.
Calling for peace is one thing, but making it happen involves extremely arduous endeavors. This is the truth that has been driven home to us over the past ten years since the September 19 Statement, which even specified implementation procedures but failed to be implemented. Moreover, the Kim Jung-un regime of the North has a misguided conviction that nuclear weapons and missiles will protect it.
Notwithstanding this, I am confident that the current moment presents an opportunity to restart this daunting task. President Trump made tackling the North's nuclear and missile issue his top foreign policy priority, a decision that no U.S. Administration has made thus far. This is why I believe we have a better chance of solving the North Korean nuclear issue now. I am committed to doing my utmost to leverage this opportunity.
In doing so, a robust ROK-U.S. alliance is the key premise. Building on the foundation of deterrence against North Korea's provocations and our ironclad combined defense posture, the Republic of Korea, together with the United States, will embark upon a journey towards a peaceful and prosperous Korean Peninsula.
Distinguished guests,
This is the journey our great alliance must embark on. This will be a long journey starting from the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and heading towards stability and peace in all of Northeast Asia. Our new direction should guide the United States away from "strategic patience" and, by mobilizing all available means, bring North Korea back to the negotiating table.
Provocations by the North must be met with stern and firm responses.
Yet, at the same time, engaging in dialogue with Chairman Kim Jung-un is also necessary, for he is the only one who can decide to dismantle North Korea’s nuclear weapons. For such dialogue, our goal is crystal clear. It is to induce Pyongyang to make its own decision on nuclear dismantlement.
Korea is a party directly concerned with Korean Peninsula issues. As a direct stakeholder, and also to never repeat the tragedy of another devastating war, Korea will assume a leading role more so than before. If Korea improves its relations with North Korea in close collaboration with the United States, the community of nations, including the United States, will also be able to build better relations with the North in due course.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Yesterday, I had an in-depth dialogue with President Trump on my vision. We concurred to work more proactively to preserve and build peace.
Let me make myself clear. President Trump and I do not pursue hostile policies against North Korea. We have no intention to attack North Korea. We have no wish to see its regime replaced or collapsed. We have no plan to artificially accelerate reunification on the Korean Peninsula.
Yet, let us also make ourselves clear to North Korea. Without a doubt, North Korea must understand that denuclearization is the only way to guarantee its security and economic development. The North must determine its own destiny. It cannot and should not blame others for its own fate.
The door to dialogue is wide open. North Korea stands at a critical crossroads. I sincerely urge Pyongyang to exercise prudence and seize the opportunity for peace and prosperity. If the North makes the right choice, I am ready to walk together with North Korea on the path of peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula.
Distinguished guests,
Beyond the North Korean nuclear issue awaits numerous other challenges. Stability and prosperity in Northeast Asia must be promoted. Terrorism, environmental problems, refugees, starvation, infectious diseases and other trans-boundary issues require our collective efforts.
Restoring democracy, peace, human rights and other values of democracy in Northeast Asia and beyond is a way for the United States and Korea to demonstrate the significance of our alliance in contributing to world peace. Our two countries will build on our robust alliance to further strengthen our global partnership. We will reinforce our coalition in the fight against global terrorism and broaden the efforts for peace and reconstruction in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan.
Esteemed participants,
The most formidable obstacle to our alliance is complacency. The tasks confronting us are not easy, and unforeseen hardships may surface. Yet, we share a common goal as well as experience and foresight gained in the course of surmounting countless adversities. We must believe in ourselves and take decisive actions to translate our new initiatives into reality. We must make sure that North Korea chooses by itself the path towards peace. When that path is chosen on its own accord, peace can become complete and sustainable. On that note, I ask for your support for the faith I have. If our alliance is to transcend our two countries, to contribute to promoting peace and rebuilding values in Northeast Asia and the world, and to rise as a great alliance, we must pull our strengths together.
Finally and most importantly, I convey my deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members of Mr. Otto Warmbier and the American people. Family is the root of our lives and the soil out of which we bear fruit. As a parent, myself, and as the leader of a U.S. ally, I also deeply feel the shock and grief of Mr. Warmbier's family and all American citizens that was caused by the brutalities of North Korea.
I feel a sense of responsibility that the unforeseen passing of Mr. Warmbier should not have been in vain. Under no circumstances should the value of family and human rights be tarnished. Together with you, I will never cease in my pursuit to preserve the values we all cherish. If not for anything else than safeguarding American citizens, including U.S. soldiers stationed in Korea, as well as my own people, there must be a solution to the North Korean nuclear quagmire.
Once again, I sincerely thank you for your time today.
Thank you.
