Message from the President
Dear members and supporters of the Korea–America Friendship Society,
I am Yong-joon Lee, and it is with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I assume the distinguished office of President of the Korea–America Friendship Society. It is a privilege to lead an organization with such a proud history and longstanding reputation. At the same time, I am deeply mindful of the important responsibilities that accompany this role. I wish to express my sincere respect and gratitude to my predecessors and to all of our members whose dedication and service have contributed to the Society’s remarkable achievements. Together with all of you, I look forward to leading KAFS into a new chapter of growth and accomplishment.
Since it was founded in 1991, KAFS has served for the past 35 years as a nonpartisan, independent private diplomacy organization dedicated to strengthening the Republic of Korea–United States alliance and promoting friendship between the peoples of our two nations. Throughout periods of profound international change, KAFS has consistently advanced the ROK–U.S. partnership based on our shared values of liberal democracy, human rights, and the free-market economy. Our mission has extended past promoting goodwill, as we have served as a vital bridge supporting the peace and prosperity of both countries. Through these efforts, KAFS has made significant contributions to broadening Korea’s diplomatic horizons and reinforcing the solid foundation of the Korea–U.S. alliance.
Over the years, KAFS has actively promoted the strategic importance and historical significance of the alliance through lectures, academic conferences, publications, policy forums, and a wide range of exchange programs. It has also established itself as a leading platform for private diplomacy by connecting government officials, legislators, scholars, business leaders, journalists, and emerging leaders from both Korea and the United States. These efforts have helped foster broader public understanding and support for the continued development of the alliance while contributing to a stronger vision for the future of bilateral relations. Moreover, KAFS has played a central role in enhancing mutual understanding and trust between our two peoples and in strengthening the capacity of private-sector diplomacy.
Today, the international community stands at a historic turning point. Intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, growing competition over global supply chains and advanced technologies, and continued instability in the Middle East are fundamentally reshaping the international order. With these developments, the world is entering what many describe as a new era of Cold War–style geopolitical rivalry, while the security environment in East Asia and on the Korean Peninsula has become more complex and uncertain than ever before. This period of profound transformation brings not only unprecedented challenges, but also important strategic opportunities.
In particular, following the inauguration of the second Trump Administration, U.S. foreign policy has increasingly been redirected towards the pursuit of America's national interests, prompting renewed attention to the role and responsibilities of alliances. The emphasis on an “America First” approach and the broader reassessment of alliances have created an important opportunity to reconsider both the nature and the future of alliance relationships. These developments present both challenges and opportunities for the Korea–U.S. alliance, requiring us to respond with greater initiative and strategic foresight. We must therefore reaffirm the alliance’s strategic value and continue to strengthen it on the principles of mutual benefit, shared responsibility, and reciprocal commitment.
Against this backdrop, the ROK–U.S. alliance has evolved far beyond a traditional military alliance into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Building upon our longstanding security cooperation, collaboration has expanded into areas such as trade and investment, advanced technologies, supply chain resilience, energy security, outer space, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. These expanding partnerships contribute not only to the shared prosperity of our two nations, but also to international peace and stability. Today, the alliance serves as a cornerstone not only for the defense of the Korean Peninsula but also for stability and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the international community. Moving forward, our two countries will continue to contribute to global peace and prosperity through cooperation grounded in shared values and international norms.
An alliance, however, is neither cost-free nor self-sustaining. Throughout history, alliances have survived only through reciprocity, mutual trust, shared responsibility, and continued commitment. We must therefore recognize more clearly than ever the profound importance of the Korea–U.S. alliance for our nation's security and economic future. We bear a historic responsibility to preserve and further strengthen this invaluable partnership so that it may be passed on to future generations.
In response to the demands of this new era, KAFS will pursue the following priorities:
First, we will expand our public diplomacy efforts to promote a broader understanding of the strategic importance of the Korea–U.S. alliance, both at home and abroad. Through academic conferences, policy seminars, and public forums, we will encourage constructive dialogue and continue to offer policy recommendations on the future direction of the alliance, strengthening public understanding and support for Korea–U.S. relations.
Second, we will further promote mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of Korea and the United States. In particular, we will expand exchange programs for young people and for emerging leaders so that future generations can develop a deeper appreciation of the importance of the alliance and carry forward its enduring values.
Third, we will strengthen research and policy discussions aimed at addressing the rapidly changing international environment. Through these efforts, we will enhance cooperation in security, economics, science and technology, culture, and other fields while presenting new visions and strategic directions for the future of ROK–U.S. relations.
Fourth, we will continue to promote and defend the universal values of liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These principles constitute the foundation of the Korea–U.S. alliance and represent values that should continue to guide the international community.
KAFS will continue to fulfill its role as a steadfast bridge between our two nations, contributing to the continued development of the alliance and to peace on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the world. Every activity undertaken by KAFS will be guided by our commitment to bequeath an even stronger ROK–U.S. partnership to future generations.
Dear members,
For more than seven decades, the Korea–U.S. alliance has served as the cornerstone of peace on the Korean Peninsula and the foundation of the Republic of Korea's remarkable prosperity. The freedom and prosperity we enjoy today have been made possible through this enduring alliance. It is now our responsibility to preserve and strengthen this precious legacy for future generations. The future of the ROK–U.S. alliance depends upon our collective commitment and continued efforts.
KAFS is committed to fulfilling this mission together with all of you. I sincerely ask for your continued interest, active participation, and steadfast support. Your wisdom, dedication, and encouragement will be an indispensable source of strength in building an even brighter future for the Korea–U.S. alliance.
I wish you and your families continued good health, happiness, and success.
Thank you.
Korea–America Friendship Society, President
Yong-joon Lee
Message from the President
Dear members and supporters of the Korea–America Friendship Society,
I am Yong-joon Lee, and it is with great honor and a profound sense of responsibility that I assume the distinguished office of President of the Korea–America Friendship Society. It is a privilege to lead an organization with such a proud history and longstanding reputation. At the same time, I am deeply mindful of the important responsibilities that accompany this role. I wish to express my sincere respect and gratitude to my predecessors and to all of our members whose dedication and service have contributed to the Society’s remarkable achievements. Together with all of you, I look forward to leading KAFS into a new chapter of growth and accomplishment.
Since it was founded in 1991, KAFS has served for the past 35 years as a nonpartisan, independent private diplomacy organization dedicated to strengthening the Republic of Korea–United States alliance and promoting friendship between the peoples of our two nations. Throughout periods of profound international change, KAFS has consistently advanced the ROK–U.S. partnership based on our shared values of liberal democracy, human rights, and the free-market economy. Our mission has extended past promoting goodwill, as we have served as a vital bridge supporting the peace and prosperity of both countries. Through these efforts, KAFS has made significant contributions to broadening Korea’s diplomatic horizons and reinforcing the solid foundation of the Korea–U.S. alliance.
Over the years, KAFS has actively promoted the strategic importance and historical significance of the alliance through lectures, academic conferences, publications, policy forums, and a wide range of exchange programs. It has also established itself as a leading platform for private diplomacy by connecting government officials, legislators, scholars, business leaders, journalists, and emerging leaders from both Korea and the United States. These efforts have helped foster broader public understanding and support for the continued development of the alliance while contributing to a stronger vision for the future of bilateral relations. Moreover, KAFS has played a central role in enhancing mutual understanding and trust between our two peoples and in strengthening the capacity of private-sector diplomacy.
Today, the international community stands at a historic turning point. Intensifying strategic competition between the United States and China, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, North Korea’s advancing nuclear and missile capabilities, growing competition over global supply chains and advanced technologies, and continued instability in the Middle East are fundamentally reshaping the international order. With these developments, the world is entering what many describe as a new era of Cold War–style geopolitical rivalry, while the security environment in East Asia and on the Korean Peninsula has become more complex and uncertain than ever before. This period of profound transformation brings not only unprecedented challenges, but also important strategic opportunities.
In particular, following the inauguration of the second Trump Administration, U.S. foreign policy has increasingly been redirected towards the pursuit of America's national interests, prompting renewed attention to the role and responsibilities of alliances. The emphasis on an “America First” approach and the broader reassessment of alliances have created an important opportunity to reconsider both the nature and the future of alliance relationships. These developments present both challenges and opportunities for the Korea–U.S. alliance, requiring us to respond with greater initiative and strategic foresight. We must therefore reaffirm the alliance’s strategic value and continue to strengthen it on the principles of mutual benefit, shared responsibility, and reciprocal commitment.
Against this backdrop, the ROK–U.S. alliance has evolved far beyond a traditional military alliance into a comprehensive strategic partnership. Building upon our longstanding security cooperation, collaboration has expanded into areas such as trade and investment, advanced technologies, supply chain resilience, energy security, outer space, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. These expanding partnerships contribute not only to the shared prosperity of our two nations, but also to international peace and stability. Today, the alliance serves as a cornerstone not only for the defense of the Korean Peninsula but also for stability and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region and the international community. Moving forward, our two countries will continue to contribute to global peace and prosperity through cooperation grounded in shared values and international norms.
An alliance, however, is neither cost-free nor self-sustaining. Throughout history, alliances have survived only through reciprocity, mutual trust, shared responsibility, and continued commitment. We must therefore recognize more clearly than ever the profound importance of the Korea–U.S. alliance for our nation's security and economic future. We bear a historic responsibility to preserve and further strengthen this invaluable partnership so that it may be passed on to future generations.
In response to the demands of this new era, KAFS will pursue the following priorities:
First, we will expand our public diplomacy efforts to promote a broader understanding of the strategic importance of the Korea–U.S. alliance, both at home and abroad. Through academic conferences, policy seminars, and public forums, we will encourage constructive dialogue and continue to offer policy recommendations on the future direction of the alliance, strengthening public understanding and support for Korea–U.S. relations.
Second, we will further promote mutual understanding and trust between the peoples of Korea and the United States. In particular, we will expand exchange programs for young people and for emerging leaders so that future generations can develop a deeper appreciation of the importance of the alliance and carry forward its enduring values.
Third, we will strengthen research and policy discussions aimed at addressing the rapidly changing international environment. Through these efforts, we will enhance cooperation in security, economics, science and technology, culture, and other fields while presenting new visions and strategic directions for the future of ROK–U.S. relations.
Fourth, we will continue to promote and defend the universal values of liberal democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. These principles constitute the foundation of the Korea–U.S. alliance and represent values that should continue to guide the international community.
KAFS will continue to fulfill its role as a steadfast bridge between our two nations, contributing to the continued development of the alliance and to peace on the Korean Peninsula and throughout the world. Every activity undertaken by KAFS will be guided by our commitment to bequeath an even stronger ROK–U.S. partnership to future generations.
Dear members,
For more than seven decades, the Korea–U.S. alliance has served as the cornerstone of peace on the Korean Peninsula and the foundation of the Republic of Korea's remarkable prosperity. The freedom and prosperity we enjoy today have been made possible through this enduring alliance. It is now our responsibility to preserve and strengthen this precious legacy for future generations. The future of the ROK–U.S. alliance depends upon our collective commitment and continued efforts.
KAFS is committed to fulfilling this mission together with all of you. I sincerely ask for your continued interest, active participation, and steadfast support. Your wisdom, dedication, and encouragement will be an indispensable source of strength in building an even brighter future for the Korea–U.S. alliance.
I wish you and your families continued good health, happiness, and success.
Thank you.
Korea–America Friendship Society, President
Yong-joon Lee