Abraham Kim, the new representative of the Korea Society, emphasizes the necessity of increased dialogue and cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea during uncertain times in their relationship, highlighting concerns rooted in recent conflicts.
Abraham Kim, the newly appointed representative of the Korea Society, has commented on the complicated dynamics in the Korea-US relationship during the Trump era, stating that amidst uncertainties, friendship and dialogue are paramount. He stresses that not only political leaders but also actors from the economic sector and civil society must engage in more discussions and collaboration. Kim, who is the first Korean American to lead the Korea Society in its 70-year history, is currently in South Korea visiting government officials, business leaders, and scholars to foster this dialogue.
In conversations with South Korean press at the Four Seasons Hotel in Seoul, both Kim and Kathleen Stephens, the chairwoman and former US ambassador to South Korea, have discussed the rising tensions in the Korea-US relationship, particularly related to issues such as proposed tariff increases on South Korean goods, corporate challenges faced by companies like Coupang, and other non-tariff barriers. Stephens emphasized the need to communicate the impact of governmental agreements at the summit to the business community and the general public. She remarked on the importance of resolving conflicts through an alliance perspective rather than a zero-sum approach.
Regarding the growing pressure on South Korea from U.S. politics related to Coupang's lobbying efforts, Stephens noted the lack of awareness about this issue among American policymakers, as Coupang primarily operates in South Korea and is not widely recognized in the U.S. However, she acknowledged that it is gaining attention in Washington and could have implications for the Korea-US relationship. The discussions reinforce the need for continuous dialogue to address both emerging challenges and to strengthen bilateral ties.
