On the recordJanuary 30, 2024
As a Korean Caucus co- chairman, I was grateful last week to participate in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Program. With prior visits it has always been inspiring to observe the phenomenal success of the talented people of South Korea. As the only Member of Congress still serving to have been on a delegation to North Korea, the contrast is astounding. The Republic of Korea is a beacon of achievement and success of free market democracy as contrasted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reducing its citizens to despotism. Per capita annual income in South Korea is $44,000, and in the north, it is $967. I appreciate being hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Minister Cho Tae-yul and meeting with National Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, the Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, and with the National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin. Business leaders are dedicated with Korean International Trade Association Chairman Christopher Koo, ILJIN Group President Chairman Lee Dong Seob, Hyundai Vice President Kim Il-Bum, Samsung Corporate VP Sang Pil Chun, Hanwha Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim, and AMCHAM Chairman James Kim. America is well-represented by DCM Joy Sakurai and U.S. Forces Korea General Paul LaCamera at Camp Humphreys with dedicated troops from South Carolina and Virginia. In conclusion, God bless Korea and America who are achieving peace through strength. Freedom is not free. ____________________
