Lawmakers from both countries attend 'Korean Culture Day' event in Washington, D.C.

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Song Young-gil delivers congratulatory remarks at a workshop for newly elected provincial assembly members from South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, held at Davichi Condo in Boseong-gun, South Jeolla Province, on June 16. [Yonhap]
Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Song Young-gil delivers congratulatory remarks at a workshop for newly elected provincial assembly members from South Jeolla Province and Gwangju, held at Davichi Condo in Boseong-gun, South Jeolla Province, on June 16. [Yonhap]

Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker Song Young-gil said Wednesday during his U.S. visit that the South Korea-US alliance has grown "more mature" over more than 70 years since its founding, forging deep bonds through communication and cooperation.

Song made the remarks at a "Korean Culture Day" event held at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., sponsored by organizations including the Korean American Immigration Museum. When a US House member asked about South Koreans' perception of the alliance, Song compared it to kimchi — "the longer it ferments, the richer the flavor" — and told the lawmaker, "Don't worry."

Speaking before an audience that included Korean War veterans, Song said, "Whatever the circumstances, whichever party we belong to, all of us in Korea believe the alliance is a pillar that protects freedom of expression and our way of life." He added that the ironclad alliance must not be allowed to waver.

Andy Kim (Democrat, New Jersey), the first Korean American elected to the US Senate, said at the event that the influence of both South Korea and the United States stems not only from military and economic power but also from culture — "the change created by American films and TV programs spreading across the world, and by K-dramas, Korean TV programs and films doing the same."

"I am proud of both the Korean and American parts of my life," Kim said. "I love the place where the country of my heritage and the country of my birth meet, and I will do my best while in Congress to elevate those values."

Rep. Young Kim (Republican, California), also of Korean descent, said she could "proudly say" she has lived in the United States for more than a fifth of its 250-year history. "This is why America is great," she said, adding that the country "embraces diversity and all different cultures while allowing each of us to maintain our own culture, traditions and heritage."

Rep. Tom Suozzi (Democrat, New York) stood alongside Young Kim at the podium to demonstrate bipartisan support for the US-South Korea partnership. He told the audience that Korean Americans and their families came to the United States "because it was a beacon of hope to the world, a symbol of freedom, democracy and opportunity." He called for restoring the country to the ideals it truly represents and said achieving those ideals would require the help of Korean American friends.

Suozzi co-introduced a resolution in January last year with Young Kim and others reaffirming the importance of the US-South Korea alliance.


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