[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 71 (Thursday, April 27, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H2053-H2056]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1044
   JOINT MEETING TO HEAR AN ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY YOON SUK YEOL, 
                   PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA

  During the recess, the House was called to order by the Speaker at 10 
o'clock and 44 minutes a.m.
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms, Ms. Kathleen Joyce, announced 
the Vice President and Members of the U.S. Senate, who entered the Hall 
of the House of Representatives, the Vice President taking the chair at 
the right of the Speaker, and the Members of the Senate the seats 
reserved for them.
  The SPEAKER. The joint meeting will come to order.
  The Chair appoints as members of the committee on the part of the 
House to escort His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President of the Republic 
of Korea, into the Chamber:
  The gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Scalise);
  The gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Emmer);
  The gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Stefanik);
  The gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul);
  The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Wilson);
  The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Carter);
  The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill);
  The gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Kim);
  The gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. McClain);
  The gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Steel);
  The gentleman from New York (Mr. Jeffries);
  The gentlewoman from Massachusetts (Ms. Clark);

[[Page H2054]]

  The gentleman from California (Mr. Aguilar);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Lieu);
  The gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. DelBene);
  The gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Clyburn);
  The gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Meng);
  The gentleman from California (Mr. Gomez);
  The gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Kim); and
  The gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Strickland).
  The VICE PRESIDENT. The President of the Senate, at the direction of 
that body, appoints the following Senators as members of the committee 
on the part of the Senate to escort His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, 
President of the Republic of Korea, into the House Chamber:
  The Senator from Illinois (Mr. Durbin);
  The Senator from Minnesota (Ms. Klobuchar);
  The Senator from Wisconsin (Ms. Baldwin);
  The Senator from Washington (Mrs. Murray);
  The Senator from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez);
  The Senator from Kentucky (Mr. McConnell);
  The Senator from South Dakota (Mr. Thune);
  The Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito);
  The Senator from Iowa (Ms. Ernst);
  The Senator from Montana (Mr. Daines); and
  The Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch).
  The Assistant to the Sergeant at Arms announced the Acting Dean of 
the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Ashok Mirpuri, the Ambassador of 
Singapore.
  The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps entered the Hall of the House 
of Representatives and took the seat reserved for him.
  At 11 o'clock and 5 minutes a.m., the Acting Sergeant at Arms, 
William P. McFarland, announced His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President 
of the Republic of Korea.
  The President of the Republic of Korea, escorted by the committee of 
Senators and Representatives, entered the Hall of the House of 
Representatives and stood at the Clerk's desk.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  The SPEAKER. Members of Congress, I have the high privilege and the 
distinct honor of presenting to you His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, 
President of the Republic of Korea.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  President YOON. Mr. Speaker, Madam Vice President, honorable Members 
of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, ladies and 
gentlemen, dear citizens of America, ``A new Nation, conceived in 
liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created 
equal.''
  I stand before that Nation with the conviction of freedom, belief in 
the alliance, and the resolve to open a new future.
  For 234 years, Congress has been the symbol of freedom and democracy. 
This Chamber embodies the spirit of the Constitution. I am honored to 
address the Members of Congress and the people of the United States.
  Thank you, both Democrats and Republicans, for passing the resolution 
marking the 70th Anniversary of the alliance. Your support has 
dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with 
Korea.
  Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has 
always led the world in defense of freedom.
  Imperial nations fought for colonies. And humanity greatly suffered 
from the two world wars. America righteously stepped in to defend 
freedom, but it was not without cost.

  We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, 
but more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific 
War. Their sacrifice was not in vain.
  U.S. leadership established the New World order based on free trade. 
It brought peace and prosperity throughout the world, but prosperity 
was limited to free market economies where communist totalitarian 
nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and 
communist blocs.
  In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union 
helped to rearm North Korea. North Korea's surprise attack threatened 
the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea's freedom and 
democracy were on the brink.
  At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean 
and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely. 
Tales of our heroes were written.
  General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard with the landing of 
Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of 
the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war.
  The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through a wave of 
120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Lake Changjin.
  Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to ``defend a 
country they never knew and a people they never met.''
  In the Battle of Lake Changjin alone, 4,500 American servicemembers 
lost their lives. Over the course of the war, almost 37,000 U.S. 
soldiers fell.
  The late Colonel William Weber fought in the Battle for Hill 324 in 
Wonju. He lost his right arm and leg. Yet, this American hero dedicated 
his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by the Korean war 
veterans.
  Today, we are honored to have his granddaughter, Ms. Dayne Weber, 
with us. Ms. Weber, would you stand up, please?
  On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We 
salute his noble service and sacrifice.
  Thank you.
  Some of the Korean war heroes are your family and friends. The late 
John Conyers, Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran 
Congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. The former 
Representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the 
alliance.
  Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us 
to defend freedom.
  I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean war veterans 
and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and 
daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the 
call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific.
  I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean war as a 
proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and 
respect.
  The war ended after 3 years of intense battle. Our two nations signed 
the Mutual Defense Treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever 
since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving 
nation. At every step, America has stood together with Korea.
  We have many reasons to celebrate our platinum anniversary. We had no 
guarantees of success when we started, but today our alliance is 
stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like 
no other. Indeed, it has been the lynchpin safeguarding our freedom, 
peace, and prosperity.
  Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history 
to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our 
alliance.
  Let me talk about the history of our alliance. The ties of our 
cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of 
diplomatic relations in 1882.
  In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely 
introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values 
are the foundations of Korea's Constitution. They have made a huge 
impact on our independence movement and the founding of Korea.
  Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton, and Rosetta Hall 
are some of the missionaries who set foot in Korea at the end of the 
19th century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education 
of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to 
advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
  In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor 
Rostow's model for economic growth. President Park Chung-hee wisely 
embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the 
foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country.
  Known as the ``Miracle on the Han River,'' Korea's economic growth 
rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the

[[Page H2055]]

least developed countries after the war. Its annual income was just 
U.S. $67 per capita. Now its economy ranks 10th in the world.
  Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world's most 
vibrant digital cities.
  Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world's 
second largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. It is also 
bidding to host the World Expo 2030.
  Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic. 
Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
  Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and 
democracy throughout the world. Since World War II, Korea dispatched 
its warriors of freedom. We fought side-by-side with the U.S. in 
Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
  For over 70 years in the history of the alliance, we worked together 
in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in 
the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral 
assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial.
  The KORUS FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress 
in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68 percent. 
Korean companies' investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies' 
investment in Korea has nearly doubled.
  Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They 
are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products 
here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-
paying jobs.
  Take Austin, Texas: Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly 
10,000 jobs as of 2020.
  Take Bryan County, Georgia: Hyundai's EV and battery plant is 
expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 
electric vehicles every year, and it will employ thousands of 
Americans.
  Take Bay City, Michigan: It is home to SK Siltron CSS, where 
President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American 
companies merging to achieve even greater growth.
  I hope to see more economic cooperation in the other parts of 
America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support.
  My friends, years of active cultural and people-to-people exchanges 
have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th 
anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S.
  Early Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugar cane plantations 
in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many 
parts of the American society. They have played an important role 
fostering closer friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
  Representatives Young Kim,   Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn 
Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance 
spanning generations; that is two for each party. It is a relief that 
you are evenly praised across the aisle.
  Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and 
friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer 
barriers.
  Korean movies ``Parasite'' and ``Minari'' have won Oscars. Hollywood 
films ``Top Gun'' and ``The Avengers'' are loved by Koreans. I also 
loved ``Top Gun: Maverick'' and ``Mission Impossible.''
  Even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and BLACKPINK. BTS 
beat me to the White House, but I beat them to Capitol Hill. Korean and 
American singers reaching high places in each other's music charts is 
no longer a surprise.
  The U.S. created global platforms like Netflix. Korea has produced 
popular series such as ``Squid Game.'' We are creating a new pattern of 
synergy.
  These cultural exchanges have brought our peoples closer. According 
to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Americans' positive views of 
Korea reached the highest level since 1978. According to a Pew survey 
last year, Koreans' positive views of the U.S. reached 89 percent. It 
marks the largest increase among all the countries surveyed.
  Korea and the U.S. agreed to set up an assistance program for our 
students. It will help them to study and find jobs actively in each 
other's country.
  Honorable Members of Congress, I have had two careers in my life. My 
first job was as a public prosecutor. My second job is serving as the 
President of my beloved country.
  As prosecutor, my role model was the late Robert Morgenthau. He was 
the real-life character of District Attorney Adam Schiff in ``Law & 
Order.'' When I was the prosecutor general, I printed a book titled 
``Robert Morgenthau: America's Eternal Attorney.'' I shared it with my 
junior prosecutors.
  In the preface, I included the phrase: ``an attorney who is silent in 
the face of great evil will not even stop pickpockets in the 
neighborhood.''
  Today, our democracy is at risk.
  Democracy is a community's political decisionmaking system to protect 
freedom and human rights. Such decisionmaking must be based on truths 
and freely formed public opinion.
  But today in many parts of the world, false propaganda and 
disinformation are distorting the truth and public opinion. They are 
threatening democracy.
  The rule of law allows the freedoms of everyone to coexist. It is 
upheld by parliamentary democracy.
  False propaganda and disinformation corrupt intellectualism. They 
threaten democracy and the rule of law.
  Such totalitarian forces may conceal and disguise themselves as 
defenders of democracy or human rights. But in reality, they deny 
freedom and democracy.
  We must not be fooled by such deception and disguise.
  We have for so long protected democracy and the rule of law with our 
blood and sweat. We must work together and fight the forces of 
falsehood and deception that seek to destroy democracy and the rule of 
law.
  Those who cherish freedom also protect the freedom of others. Thus, 
freedom brings peace. Peace, in turn, safeguards freedom. Freedom and 
peace are sources of creativity and innovation. They bring prosperity 
and abundance.
  Our alliance was forged 70 years ago to defend Korea's freedom. The 
alliance has now become a global alliance that safeguards freedom and 
peace around the world. Korea will fulfill its responsibilities. It 
will play its part that matches its economic capacity.
  In his 1961 inaugural address, President John F. Kennedy said: ``My 
fellow citizens of the world: Ask not what America will do for you, but 
what together we can do for the freedom of man.''
  Korea will stand in solidarity with the international community. We 
will do what we can for the freedom of humanity.
  Korea, with the U.S., will march toward the future.
  As I took office last year, I pledged to rebuild Korea: a nation 
belonging to the people rooted in freedom, democracy, and market 
economy; a nation that the people can be truly proud of as it fulfills 
its role as a responsible member of the international community.
  Together with the U.S., Korea will play the role as a ``compass for 
freedom.'' It will safeguard and broaden the freedom of citizens of the 
world.
  But even as we walked in unison for freedom for 70 years, there is 
one regime determined to pursue a wrong path. That is North Korea.
  The difference is stark between Seoul that chose freedom and 
democracy and Pyongyang that chose dictatorship and communism. North 
Korea has abandoned freedom and prosperity and dismissed peace.
  North Korea's nuclear program and missile provocations pose a serious 
threat to the peace on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.
  To deter its reckless behavior, the alliance must stand united with 
determination. As President Reagan once said: ``There is a price we 
will not pay. There is a point beyond which they must not advance.'' We 
must make his words clear to North Korea.

  Yesterday, President Biden and I agreed to strengthen the U.S. 
extended deterrence. Along with close Korea-U.S. coordination, we need 
to speed up Korea-U.S.-Japan trilateral security cooperation to counter 
increasing North Korean nuclear threats.
  My government will respond firmly to provocations. But at the same 
time, we will keep the door open for dialogue on North Korea's 
denuclearization.
  Last year, I proposed the Audacious Initiative. It will significantly 
improve North Korea's economy and livelihood. All Pyongyang has to do 
is to stop its

[[Page H2056]]

nuclear program and begin a substantive denuclearization process.
  I once again urge North Korea to cease its provocations and take the 
right path. Korea, with the U.S., will continue to work for North 
Korea's denuclearization.
  North Korea's obsession with nuclear weapons and missiles is throwing 
its population into a severe economic crisis and human rights abuses.
  We must raise global awareness of the dire human rights situation in 
North Korea. We must not shy away from our duty to promote freedom for 
North Koreans.
  Last month, my government published a report on North Korean human 
rights. We released it to the public for the first time.
  The report documents a wide range of abuses in North Korea. It is 
based on the testimonies of 508 North Korean defectors collected over 
the past 5 years. It records many cases of serious violations of 
international norms such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 
and other human rights agreements.
  Unspeakable and horrendous incidents took place: men and women being 
shot and killed for violating COVID-19 prevention measures; some being 
publicly executed for watching and sharing South Korean shows; and 
people being shot in public for possessing the Bible and having faith.
  We need to raise awareness. We must inform the world of the gravity 
of North Korea's human rights violations. I ask for your help in 
improving North Korea's grim conditions.
  My friends, freedom and democracy are once again under threat. The 
war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an 
attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force. Korea 
strongly condemns the unprovoked armed attack against Ukraine.
  When North Korea invaded us in 1950, democracies came running to help 
us. We fought together and kept our freedom. The rest is history.
  Korea's experience shows us just how important it is for democracies 
to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free 
world. We will actively work to safeguard the freedom of the people of 
Ukraine and support their efforts in reconstruction.
  Honorable Members of Congress, so far six Korean Presidents spoke at 
this important Chamber. The first Korean President, Dr. Rhee Syngman, 
delivered his speech in 1954. After 35 years, in 1989, President Roh 
Tae-woo standing at this podium said the following:
  ``The nations of the Pacific have made open society and market 
economy the engines that drive the fastest growing region in the world. 
The Pacific will become even more important to the U.S., and Korea will 
begin to contribute more to the prosperity and peace of the region. . . 
. I look forward to the day when some future Korean Presidents may be 
invited to address this distinguished assembly and describe the vision 
I spoke of today as an achievement fulfilled, not as tomorrow's hope.''
  President Roh's vision has become a reality.
  We are currently living in the Indo-Pacific era. This region is home 
to 65 percent of the global population and 62 percent of the world GDP. 
It accounts for half of global maritime transportation.
  Last year, Korea announced its first comprehensive Indo-Pacific 
Strategy. Korea is committed to fostering a ``free, peaceful, and 
prosperous Indo-Pacific'' based on inclusiveness, trust, and 
reciprocity.
  We will strengthen the rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific. We will 
take a comprehensive and multilayered approach in expanding cooperation 
with key partners.
  This also means that the stage for the alliance is expanding.
  Korea used to receive assistance from USAID. It is now sharing its 
experience with developing countries in partnership with the U.S. Korea 
has greatly increased its ODA budget. It is providing tailored programs 
in tune with the needs of its partners.
  Yesterday, President Biden and I adopted a joint statement. It 
presents a vision of the ``alliance in action towards the future.''
  Together, our two countries will broaden our alliance.
  Together, we will lead in innovation beyond security and foreign 
policy. We will work closely on artificial intelligence, quantum 
technology, bioscience, and Open RAN.
  Our partnership in the cutting-edge semiconductor industry will 
contribute to establishing stable and resilient supply chains. It will 
also address economic uncertainties.
  Together, we will open another new successful chapter. We will 
explore new frontiers in outer space and cyberspace.
  Korea and the U.S. are the world's top technological powers leading 
innovation and creativity. Together, we will create a great synergy.
  Mr. Speaker, Madam Vice President, and Honorable Members of Congress, 
our alliance is an alliance of universal values. Freedom, human rights, 
and democracy are the very foundations of our bonds.
  Our alliance is for justice.
  Our alliance is for peace.
  Our alliance is for prosperity.
  Together, our alliance will continue to move towards the future.
  We will build the world of tomorrow that opens endless opportunities 
for our future generations.
  I look forward to everyone being on board for our new journey 
together.
  God bless you, God bless the United States of America, and may God 
bless our great alliance.
  Thank you.
  (Applause, the Members rising.)
  At 12 o'clock and 3 minutes p.m., His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, 
President of the Republic of Korea, accompanied by the committee of 
escort, retired from the Hall of the House of Representatives.
  The Acting Sergeant at Arms escorted the invited guests from the 
Chamber in the following order:
  The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

                          ____________________