U.S.-ROK: Ironclad Relationship

May 21, 2021, President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea arrived in the United States for President Biden’s second head of state visit. During President Moon’s visit, the two countries engaged in bilateral meeting, Medal of Honor ceremony, and joint press conference. Right before the bilateral meeting began, President Biden and President Moon exchanged remarks over the warm welcoming of the American people and the continued partnership in the business front after the COVID-19, ushering a new era between the two countries. As they concluded their bilateral meeting, President Biden and President Moon participated in the Medal of Honor ceremony for a Korean War veteran Colonel Ralph Puckett Jr. for his “conspicuous gallantry”. President Biden awarded the Medal of Honor to the veteran, as he stated that this medal is “70 years overdue” for his efforts. Later in the press conference, President Biden gave remarks on this remarkable ceremony with the presence of the Korean President, “And I want to thank you again, Mr. President, for joining us.  It was special.  I don’t know that there’s ever been an award of a Medal of Honor with the head of state of the country where the award was won.  It meant a great deal to me and to the family and to our country.” After the ceremony, the joint press conference was held in the same East Room of the White House. In the press conference, President Biden emphasized the dangers of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s nuclear threat and the continued U.S. efforts in denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Furthermore, President Biden introduced Ambassador Sung Kim as the new U.S. special envoy to DPRK, and introduced Korean CEOs of major corporations who have decided to further invest in the United States. With a playful manner, President Biden mentioned their further collaborations between the two nations, “And our people — our people-to-people and cultural connections are only growing. And K-Pop fans are universal,” which caused an uproar of laughter. In the aforementioned joint statement, the United States and the Republic of Korea have reaffirmed their support of the defense of the Republic of Korea and the U.S.-ROK Mutual Defense Treaty.