Lee Gyu-lee is a business writer at The Korea Times, focusing primarily on IT & telecommunications, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and KOTRA. Prior to this, she has covered a wide range of cultural news, from film, television and K-pop to lifestyle and fashion.
AMCHAM, US embassy sign MOU for Freedom 250 commemoration
James Kim, right, chairman and CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM), and James Heller, charge d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, pose after signing a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to collaborate on commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through the Freedom 250 initiative. Courtesy AMCHAM
By Lee Gyu-lee
The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) and the U.S. Embassy in Seoul signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday to collaborate on commemorating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States through the Freedom 250 initiative.
The partnership reflects the strength and breadth of the alliance between the Republic of Korea and the United States, which has evolved from a security partnership into a comprehensive, forward-looking relationship spanning trade, technology, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Under the agreement, AMCHAM and the embassy will jointly promote shared democratic values, showcase American innovation and entrepreneurship and deepen public understanding of the bilateral relationship. The two sides plan to host a series of commemorative programs and high-level dialogues highlighting the significance of Freedom 250 and the continued pursuit of shared prosperity.
Freedom 250 is a yearlong commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, honoring the ideals of liberty, democracy and innovation while highlighting the future of U.S.-Korea cooperation. In Korea, the initiative will feature signature events and more than 250 supporting programs throughout 2026.
As an official partner for Freedom 250 activities in Korea, AMCHAM will contribute perspectives from the business community, serve as a platform for dialogue and exchange and incorporate Freedom 250 branding into selected programs across its network throughout the year.
“AMCHAM is honored by the trust placed in us by the U.S. government and the opportunity to partner with the U.S. Embassy Seoul, as the voice of the American business community in Korea, on the meaningful journey of Freedom 250 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States,” AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said.
“We will highlight how our shared values of freedom and innovation continue to sustain the U.S.-Korea alliance — one of the most important in the world — and translate that trust into meaningful engagements that bring this partnership to life throughout 2026.”
James Heller, charge d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, said, “Freedom 250 is not just a celebration of the past — it is a launchpad for the future.”
“Under President Donald Trump’s vision, we are forging new relationships, championing innovation and defining a new era of diplomacy that will carry us forward for the next 250 years. Our collaboration with AMCHAM Korea demonstrates how American ideals and Korean innovation can work together to drive global progress.”