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Fellow Veterans, Members and Friends,
I was recently at a Korean American Meeting in the largest Korean-American community in America, “Koreatown”
along Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. It is said that one million Koreans and Korean-Americans
live in Los Angeles County. And given the economic giant that the Republic of Korea has become, it is not
strange at all that “Koreatown” straddles the world’s longest commercial street—Wilshire Boulevard, Los
Angeles, California.
Ambassador Tae Sik Lee was the guest of honor and the featured speaker. Dr. Lee will also be the
featured speaker at our Convention in Reno, Nevada, October 25. His speech was both moving and highly perceptive
regarding the future of the vital US-ROK Mutual Defiance Alliance. For that reason I want to share it with
you at this time.
National President, KWVA/US
Chairman of the Board
Ambassador Lee: Korea-U.S. Partnership becomes More Dynamic
Speech by Ambassador Lee is as follows:
I recently came across a poem, which you may have heard – it was written in honor of the national Korean
War Veterans Memorial dedicated in 1995.
I’d like to open with the first few verses. It’s called “We Remember”, and it begins:
Those we
left there in the cold
We remember… we remember
Have no fears of growing old
Oh do we remember
Those who fell in prison yards
We remember… we remember
Savage weather, savage guards
Oh do we remember
Those who died face down in mud
We remember… we remember
Asian soil, Yankee blood
Oh do we remember…
I want to thank you all for coming – [Mayor Villaraigosa], [Mayor Byrd,] Ambassador Lilley, Mr. Dechert,
distinguished officers, honored veterans and guests.
We are here today to remember – and to honor an impressive gathering of gallant Korean War veterans.
We also celebrate 54 years of the Korea-US alliance, one of the most successful alliances in history.
The fact is, without the service of such dedicated veterans, there would be no Korea-US alliance. Moreover,
there would be no Republic of Korea.
(Veterans’ Contributions)
Looking back 57 years, South Korea’s future was very much in doubt. With the aid of the United States
and the UN, we were engaged in a battle for survival.
Nearly everyone who fought recalls the brazen summer heat – or the killing winter cold. The harsh terrain,
chaos and confusion, the hunger and exhaustion…
Some tell of taking off their shoes to make it easier to slog through the mud. Or laying out their blankets
to soak up rain water to wring into their empty canteens. Worse still are the myriad stories of agonizing
decisions and heartbreaking loss.
As one observer wrote about Korea, “War has seldom shown American soldiers a harsher face.”
In the month of September 1950, US combat losses were heavier than at any other time during the war,
the casualties totaling nearly 20 thousand.
But by the end of that deadly month -- the tide began to turn.
- Through an audacious amphibious triumph, Incheon was secured.
- After weeks of bitter struggle, the Battle of the Pusan Perimeter was won.
- In the face of sharp resistance, Seoul was recovered as well --and on this date, September 29th,
1950, General MacArthur and Korean President Syngman Rhee triumphantly entered the capital city.
Seoul would fall again -- and be reclaimed again -- as the war dragged on for nearly 3 more years.
But the events of that September revealed the mettle of the US forces. And to this day, the Korean people
remain grateful to the heroes who rushed to Korea’s defense.
That said, I know that the thanks have been incredibly slow in coming.
In fact, in a new book just out this week, the author describes the Korean war as “a war that sometimes
seems to have been orphaned by history.”
This book, aptly titled “The Coldest Winter,” by the famous American writer, David Halberstam,
contrasts the views of the troops on the ground with those of the decision-makers more removed. At the outset,
the author raises the notion that the troops sent to Korea were asked to (quote) “die for a tie”.
Well I have to address that proposition. I want to assure you -- the outcome may not have been so
clear back then. With 2 million Korean casualties, the country was left in ruin. But if you look at the
North and the South today – the contrast could not be starker.
North Korea is in shambles, the people starving. The growing desperation of refugees willing to risk
everything to escape is also very telling.
South Korea, on the other hand, stands as a modern, vibrant and proud democracy, the world’s 11th largest
economy, and a contributing member of the world community.
In fact, last year, a South Korean citizen, Ban Ki-moon, was chosen to head the United Nations as Secretary
General – the same institution Korea once counted on for crucial assistance.
So let me state this clearly, for the record: Nobody who fought in Korea “died for a tie”.
Take a look at Incheon. The simple fishing village where the Marines disembarked is now a thriving port
with a world-class airport – a northeast Asian transportation hub.
And anywhere you look in South Korea, the story is the same; the progress is apparent.
(Transforming the Korea-US Partnership)
In tandem with Korea’s advancement, the Korea-U.S. partnership has also grown and matured, becoming more
dynamic and increasingly reciprocal.
Two weeks ago in his televised address, President Bush reminded the nation once again that “Freedom
is not free.”
It was not in 1950 -- when the U.S. stood with Korea against communism. And it is not in 2007 -- when
Korea stands with the U.S. in the Global War on Terror.
In fact, Korea is one of only a few countries to support the United States with troops in each of the
major conflicts since the Korean War -- from Vietnam to the Gulf War, Afghanistan to Iraq. When it comes
to constancy and principle -- we know that action speaks louder than words.
Closer to home here, when Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast nearly 2 years ago, the Korean
people welcomed the chance to give something back, and stepped forward to donate some 30 million dollars
-- the fourth largest contribution to the recovery effort.
In the past, our alliance could be described as vertical in nature, with Korea in the position of a sort
of younger brother. Over the years, however, it has become more horizontal as our partnership has become
more mutually beneficial.
Looking ahead, to build on and enhance our successful 50-year relationship, the US and Korea are taking
a number of steps to transform our alliance for the future.
(Security)
In the security realm, we are addressing such key issues as the relocation and realignment of US forces
in Korea, strategic flexibility, and wartime operational control.
For example, in recent years, the United States has maintained 37,000 troops in Korea. This level will
be reduced by one-third, to 25,000, in the coming years. Also, traditionally, US forces have been concentrated
along the DMZ. But in a few years, American troops will be moved to the central or southern part of the
country, and Korean troops will assume the leading role by taking their place in the DMZ.
This kind of transformation conforms to the demands of the United States’ new strategic paradigm in the
wake of 9-11.
At the same time, given Korea’s improving military capabilities and economic progress – this is an adjustment
we are ready to make.
We believe both sides will benefit as we strengthen our alliance to adapt to the changing international
order.
(Economic/FTA)
In the economic realm, we are seeking to dramatically upgrade our already prosperous relationship by
implementing a historic Korea-US Free Trade Agreement.
This “KORUS” FTA, as it is called, is literally a big deal -- the third largest free trade area in
the world, after the EU and NAFTA.
It is also our most significant bilateral treaty since the Mutual Defense Treaty that created our
alliance in 1953.
Finally, it is a deal whose time has come! Korea is the United States’ 7th largest trading partner and
5th largest market for agricultural goods. Two-way trade last year totaled nearly 80 billion dollars.
The FTA will eliminate all tariffs on industrial, forestry and maritime products. And nearly 95 percent
of these goods will become duty-free within 3 years -- including California’s leading exports to Korea of
computers and electronics, machinery, and transportation equipment.
Top California agricultural products such as almonds, cotton, wine, pistachios, dairy products and others
will also clearly benefit from greater access to the Korean market.
Korea represents California’s 5th largest export market for goods, and that share is growing. So of all
the states, California stands to gain the most from this FTA.
We are now awaiting approval by our respective legislatures. So we would certainly welcome your help
in communicating your support for this FTA to your elected representatives – as we believe the KORUS FTA
can serve as another strong pillar for our alliance.
(Engagement Policy and NK Nuclear Issue)
The most pressing challenge our alliance now faces is the same one we faced back in 1950 -- North
Korea. In fact, you may have heard it said that Korea is the last remaining outpost of the Cold War,
and unfortunately that is true.
This problem must be addressed. A military solution would be far too costly -- a second Korean War would
undo all the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Instead, we are employing every available means to resolve this issue diplomatically. Therefore, on the
basis of our strong Korea-US alliance, South Korea has been pursuing a policy of engagement toward the North.
This engagement strategy is a calculated effort to change the inter-Korean dynamic from confrontation
to conciliation – with the eventual goal of reunification.
We have seen some progress toward this end in a number of areas.
First, although we maintain a healthy dose of skepticism, tensions have eased significantly in recent
years to the extent that we have started to regain a sense of brotherhood, even while sharply divided by
ideology.
Second, since the historic summit meeting between the two leaders of South and North Korea in 2000, exchanges
of goods and people have increased dramatically. The number of South Korean visitors to the North is at
an all-time high, while inter-Korean trade already passed the one billion dollar mark in 2005.
A good illustration of our economic cooperation can be found in the Gaesong Industrial Complex.
Our veterans may recall that Kaesong is a strategically located city once used by the North as a launch
point for attacks against the South. Today, the city serves as the site for a joint commercial venture where
26 South Korean companies employ more than 18 thousand South and North Korean workers side by side. This
complex allows North Koreans to get a first hand look at market economic principles and modern management
practices. Meanwhile, North Korea used to have heavy artillery positioned in Kaesong, but today the North
Korean Army has had to move 7 miles north.
To carry the momentum of our engagement policy forward, next week, the leaders of South and North Korea
will meet again -- for only the second time ever.
We expect this historic summit will reinforce progress in the Six Party Talks and expedite resolution
of the nuclear issue. We are also seeking to enhance inter-Korean ties, improve confidence-building measures
in military affairs, expand our economic cooperation and exchanges, and create an atmosphere to openly discuss
peace and stability on the Korean peninsula in the future.
Reducing tension on the peninsula and improving stability in the region are goals pursued jointly by
Korea and the United States, and we view the summit in this context.
The most urgent matter that must be resolved for our relationship to develop further remains the North
Korean nuclear issue. The primary vehicle we’re using to address this challenge is the Six Party Talks forum.
In September of 2005, the Six Parties agreed on a Joint Statement that contains all the basic principles
for a comprehensive solution. In the agreement, North Korea committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons
and existing programs -- in exchange for economic assistance and security assurances. Other elements include
normalization of relations with the US as well as Japan, and the establishment of a permanent peace regime
on the Peninsula.
In February this year, the Six Party Talks produced a plan to implement this comprehensive agreement
– in effect, moving the process from talk to action.
After a few bumps in the road, we are back on track and the Parties are meeting in Beijing this week.
We are hopeful that by the end of the year we will be able to get from the North a declaration of all their
nuclear programs as well as action on disabling the key facilities. We also hope to hold Ministerial level
talks between the Six Parties in the near future.
(Importance of the ROK-US Alliance)
In sum, I hope you can appreciate how important the United States-Korea relationship has been during
the past half century. As a final point, I would like to explain briefly why Koreans also consider the relationship
vital to our future.
Some 125 years ago, Korea and the United States officially established bilateral ties with the Treaty
of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation of 1882. But despite good intentions, the relationship did not
immediately get off the ground.
Meanwhile given Korea’s geography, we became a pawn in the rivalry among East Asia’s aggressive powers
– first as a vassal state; then as the colony of a neighboring country; and after World War II, as a casualty
of the ideological conflict of the Cold War.
In 1950, however, things changed. When the communist North Korean troops streamed south across
the 38th parallel, the United States decided to draw the line. Korea’s independence was preserved, our
alliance was born.
So after the first half of the century under foreign domination, we learned a critical lesson – that
Korea needs the US alliance to ensure our security and stability. Likewise, the US needs Korea as a strategic
anchor and stabilizing partner in the important Northeast Asian region.
Mainstream Koreans understand this view. That is why a recent survey found that 83 percent of our people
regard the United States as the most helpful and important country for security, peace and stability.
Clearly, ours is a special bond -- a bond forged in blood, and one that transcends party politics
and passing differences. Still it is one we cannot, and do not, take for granted.
So I would like, once again, to thank those of you who were present at the creation of our historic
alliance. I hope that today you know that Korea was a country worth saving -- a people worth protecting
-- and a war worth fighting.
If I might conclude with the last 3 verses of the poem I opened with:
Those whose names we can’t forget
We remember, we remember
Comrade spirits with us yet
Oh do we remember
Heartbreak Ridge and Pork Chop Hill
We remember, we remember
If we don’t honor them, who will?
Oh do we remember
Those who died when far too young
We remember, we remember
It is for them, this song is sung
Oh do we remember.
Thank you very much.
