Ruling party leader, US envoy discuss alliance, strategic industry cooperation

Rep. Jung Chung-rae, second from right, leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, poses with acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim, second from left, prior to their talks at the National Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

The leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) stressed the importance of the South Korea–U.S. alliance in a meeting with the acting U.S. envoy to Seoul on Tuesday, as the two discussed ways to deepen the alliance between the two countries.

In his meeting with acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Kevin Kim at the National Assembly, Rep. Jung Chung-rae described the alliance as an "unbreakable" and "rock-solid" alliance that has "achieved economic growth and safeguarded peace."

"We have reaffirmed through nuclear-powered submarines that the South Korea-U.S. alliance is a blood-forged alliance of 70 years," Jung said, referring to an approval for Seoul to build nuclear-powered attack submarines following the October summit talks between President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Jung also noted Lee's request in August for Trump to serve as a "peacemaker." At the meeting, Lee stressed that Trump is the only person who can truly resolve the inter-Korean issue and vowed to work as a "pacemaker."

"If the peacemaker and the pacemaker maintain a harmonious alliance, it would help improve inter-Korean ties and U.S.-North Korea relations and bring peace on the Korean Peninsula," Jung said, urging Kim to play the role of a "small peacemaker."

Kim highlighted South Korea's role as a strong ally and noted opportunities for deeper cooperation in shipbuilding, semiconductors and other strategic industries.

The two sides also discussed South Korea's democracy ahead of the first anniversary of the Dec. 3 martial law bid.

Jung expressed appreciation for Washington's support at the time, saying the United States backed the Korean people in overcoming the crisis "democratically, peacefully and constitutionally."

Kim reaffirmed that the U.S. believes in and supports the resilience and democratic strength of South Korea.