During the Korean War, which began in 1950 after a surprise attack by the North Korean Communist Army, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the U.S. stood and bled side-by-side in defending democracy.
Since armistice, the two nations have maintained a strong alliance relationship based on the "ROK-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty" and the "ROK-U.S. Agreed Minute of Understanding."
The military and economic aid provided by the U.S. since then have served as one of the most essential foundations of the ROK's development of the prosperity and democracy it now enjoys.
The rapid rise in national status has brought with it an increase in national pride in the minds of the Korean people.
With their liberal and pro-North Korean foreign policy, the last two administrations of former presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun have caused the 50-year old alliance to drift and weaken. And last December, the disheartened ROK voters have put an end to the 'trial period' with liberal administrations, and elected the conservative Lee Myung-bak who has emphasized the importance of national security and ROK-U.S. alliance.
The new administration is faced with the challenge of restoring and strengthening the ROK-U.S. alliance that was damaged throughout the last 2 administrations.
With his long-term experience in military and government posts that dealt with matters directly relating to the ROK-U.S. alliance, the speaker will put forth an alliance for the future.
Please join us! Coffee and tea provided. Everyone is welcome, but admittance will be on a first come–first served basis.
