[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 17 (Tuesday, January 30, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      KOREAN-AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 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.

                          ____________________