The Korea-U.S. alliance, which began amid the turmoil of the Korean War in 1950, has expanded over the past 70 years into economic and technological realms. The Korean business community expressed gratitude and respect for veterans and U.S. forces stationed in Korea while reflecting on the significance of the alliance that extends beyond security.
The Korea Economic Association (KEA) announced that it held a "Thanksgiving Dinner for the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Founding" on the afternoon of September 17 at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul.
About 180 attendees included figures from both Korean and U.S. political and business sectors, as well as representatives from the U.S. military in Korea. Notable attendees from the Korean government included Prime Minister Han Seung-soo and Deputy Minister of Veterans Affairs Kang Yoon-jin, while the U.S. side was represented by Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel and U.S. Forces Korea Commander Javier Brunson.
Prominent business leaders present included Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte; Cho Won-tae, Chairman of Korean Air; Kim Yoon, Chairman of Samyang; Lee Jang-han, Chairman of Chong Kun Dang; and Kim Jung-soo, Chairman of Samyang Round Square, along with other executives from major groups such as Samsung, Hyundai, SK, and LG.
Chairman Ryu Jin congratulated the U.S. on its 250th anniversary, stating, "This history is marked by a special bond with Korea." He expressed gratitude and respect for the veterans and U.S. forces, noting that the Incheon Landing around 1950 was a turning point that rekindled hope for the Korean people.
He added, "The Korea-U.S. alliance is evolving beyond military security into an economic and technological partnership. I hope that our two countries will continue to write a brilliant new history together as the closest friends and allies."
U.S. Forces Korea Commander Javier Brunson remarked, "The Korea-U.S. alliance has evolved from shared sacrifices on the battlefield to a global partnership encompassing defense, economy, technology, and culture."
The dinner commenced with a toast proposed by Deputy Minister Kang Yoon-jin and Joseph Hilbert, Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army. Following the dinner, singer Insooni and the U.S. Eighth Army's jazz band performed together on stage. Insooni's father had previously served in the U.S. military while stationed in Korea.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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