President, South Korea
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Addresses U.S. Congress | US South Korea News LIVE | News18
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Addresses U.S. Congress | US South Korea News LIVE | News18
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will address a joint meeting of Congress Thursday as he wraps up his state visit to the United States, a visit marking 70 years of U.S.-South Korea relations.
Six previous South Korean presidents have also addressed Congress.
Yoon met Wednesday with President Joe Biden to discuss the threats posed by an increasingly bold North Korea, how the two nations can cooperate economically, and ways to counter an increasingly powerful China among other issues.
DISCLA...
About Yoon Suk-yeol
Yoon Suk-yeol, the President of South Korea, has been involved in legal proceedings related to his December 2024 declaration of martial law. During a November 2025 court hearing, Yoon stated that he did not instruct police to block the National Assembly entrance, saying that no decision had been made about whether the military or police would handle that control and that he was not informed of any such instructions. In the same trial, Yoon declined to answer some questions, including one about a video clip he said was edited to make it appear he was addressing the cabinet, and he told the court, "I won't watch it." He also testified that he discussed the martial law plan only with the defense minister and that he knew a State Council meeting was necessary, adding that he called the meeting after the minister said it should be held. In earlier impeachment trial hearings, Yoon argued that his martial law declaration was a justified response to what he described as a national crisis caused by an opposition-led "pro-North Korean" and "anti-state" force. In his closing statement in February 2025, he said the country faced a "national emergency" from external and internal threats, citing a 2023 spy case involving the Democratic Party-affiliated Korean Confederation of Trade Unions. He also said he would not avoid legal and political responsibility for the declaration. In December 2024, Yoon apologized for the confusion caused by the martial law declaration, saying it was driven by "desperation as president," and he stated that he would leave decisions about his term to his party. He also vowed to "fight to the end" against impeachment efforts.
Transcript (81 segments)
✨ AI-enhanced transcript with speaker attribution
Y
Yoon Suk-yeol0:06
On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We salute its noble service and sacrifice. Thank you. Some of the Korean War heroes are your family and friends. The late John Conyer Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. The former representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the alliance. Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us to defend freedom.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean War veterans and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific. I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean War as a proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and respect.
The war ended after three years of intense battle. Our two nations signed the mutual defense treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving nation, and at every step America has stood together with Korea. We have many reasons to celebrate our platinum anniversary. We had no guarantees of success when it started, but today our alliance is stronger than ever, more prosperous together and more connected like no other. Indeed, it has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our alliance. Let me talk about the history of our alliance. The ties of our cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1882. In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values are the foundations of Korea's Constitution. They have made a huge impact on our independence movement and the foundations of Korea. Horace Underwood, Mary Scranton, and Lozier Hall are some of the missionaries who served in Korea at the end of the 19th century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor Rostow's model for economic growth. President Park Chung-hee wisely embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country, known as a miracle on the Han River. Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the least developed countries after the war. Its annual income was just 67 U.S. dollars per capita. Now this economy ranks 10th in the world.
Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world's most vibrant digital cities. Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world's second largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. It is also bidding to host the World Expo in 2030. Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic. Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and democracy throughout the world since World War II. Korea's patriots are warriors of freedom. We fought side by side with the U.S. in Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
For over 70 years in the history of the alliance, we walked together in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial. The Korea-U.S. FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68 percent. Korean companies' investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies' investment in Korea has nearly doubled. Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs.
Take Austin, Texas. Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia. Hyundai's EV and battery plant is expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 electric vehicles every year. It will employ thousands of Americans.
And take Bay City in Michigan. It is home to SK Siltron and CSS well. President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American companies merging to achieve even greater growth. I hope to see more economic cooperation in other parts of America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support.
My friends, years of active cultural and people-to-people exchange have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. Early Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugarcane plantations in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many parts of American society. They have played an important role in fostering close friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance spanning generations. That's true for each party. It is a relief that you are evenly praised across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer barriers. Korean movies like Parasite and Minari have won Oscars. How do you feel? Top Gun and the Avengers are loved by Koreans. I also love Top Gun and Mission Impossible. And even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and Blackpink.
In conclusion, I'm honored to address the members of Congress and the people of the United States. Thank you, both Democrats and Republicans, for passing the resolution marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance. Your support has dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea.
Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has always led the world in defense of freedom. Imperial nations fought for colonies, and humanity greatly suffered from the two World Wars. America righteously stood to defend freedom, but it was not without cost. We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz. But more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific War. Their sacrifice was not in vain. U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade. It brought peace and prosperity throughout the world.
But prosperity was limited to free market economies. Communist or totalitarian nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and communist blocs. In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union helped to rearm North Korea. North Korea's surprise attack threatened the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea's freedom and democracy were on the brink. At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely. The tears of our heroes were written. General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard in the landing of Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war. The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through 120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Thank you. Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to defend a country they never knew and the people they never met. In the Battle of Chosin Reservoir alone, 4,500 American service members lost their lives. Over the course of the war, almost 37,000 U.S. soldiers fell. The late Colonel William Weber fought in the battle for Heartbreak Ridge. He lost his right arm and his leg. Yet this American hero dedicated his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by the Korean War veterans. Today we are honored to have his granddaughter here with us. Could you stand up, please?
Here in America, and more importantly, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs. Take Austin, Texas. Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia. SK's EV battery plant is expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 electric vehicles every year and employ thousands of Americans.
And take Bay City in Michigan. It is home to SK Siltron and CSS well. President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American companies merging to achieve even greater growth. I hope to see more economic cooperation in other parts of America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support, my friends.
Years of active cultural and people-to-people exchange have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. Our Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugarcane plantations in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many parts of American society. They have played an important role in fostering close friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance spanning generations. That's true for each party. It is a relief that you are evenly praised across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer barriers. Korean movies like Parasite and Minari have won Oscars. How are you feeling? Top Gun and the Avengers are loved by Koreans. I also love Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and Blackpink.
I'm honored to address the members of Congress and the people of the United States. Thank you both Democrats and Republicans for passing the resolution marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance. Your support has dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea.
Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has always led the world in defense of freedom. Imperial nations fought for colonies, and humanity greatly suffered from the two World Wars. America righteously reinstated to defend freedom, but it was not without cost. We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, but more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific War. Their sacrifice was not in vain. U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade; it brought peace and prosperity throughout the world.
But prosperity was limited to free market economies where communist totalitarian nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and communist blocs. In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union helped to arm North Korea. North Korea's surprise attack threatened the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea's freedom and democracy were on the brink. At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely. The tears of our heroes were written. General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard in the landing of Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war. The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through 120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Lake Changjin.
Thank you. Thank you. Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to defend a country they never knew and the people they never met. In the Battle of Lake Changjin alone, 4,500 American service members lost their lives. Over the course of the war, almost 37,000 U.S. soldiers fell. The late Colonel William Weber fought in the battle for Heartbreak Ridge. He lost his right arm and leg. Yet this American hero dedicated his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by Korean War veterans. Today we are honored to have his granddaughter, Ms. Rivera, with us. Would you stand up, please?
On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We salute your noble service and sacrifice. Thank you. Some of the Korean War heroes are your family and friends. The late John Conyers Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. The former representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the alliance. Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us to defend freedom.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean War veterans and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific. I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean War as a proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and respect.
The war ended after three years of intense battle. Our two nations signed the Mutual Defense Treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving nation. And at every step, America has stood together with Korea. We have many reasons to celebrate our platinum anniversary. We had no guarantees of success when we started, but today our alliance is stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like no other. Indeed, it has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our alliance. Let me talk about the history of our alliance. The ties of our cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1882. In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values are the foundations of Korea's Constitution. They have made a huge impact on our independence movement and the foundations of Korea. Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton, and Lillias Horton are some of the missionaries who served in Korea at the end of the 19th century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor Rostow's model for economic growth. Korea wisely embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country, known as the Miracle on the Han River. Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the least developed countries after the war. Its annual income was just $67 per capita. Now this economy ranks 10th in the world.
Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world's most vibrant digital cities. Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world's second largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. There is also Busan bidding to host the World Expo in 2030. Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic. Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and democracy throughout the world since World War II. Korea's patriots are warriors of freedom. We fought side by side with the U.S. in Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
For over 70 years in the history of the alliance, we walked together in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial. The Korea-U.S. FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68 percent. Korean companies' investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies' investment in Korea has nearly doubled. Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs.
Take Austin, Texas. Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia. SK's EV battery plant is expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 electric vehicles every year and employ thousands of Americans.
And take Bay City in Michigan. It is home to SK Siltron and CSS well. President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American companies merging to achieve even greater growth. I hope to see more economic cooperation in other parts of America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support, my friends.
Years of active cultural and people-to-people exchange have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. Our Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugarcane plantations in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many parts of American society. They have played an important role in fostering close friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance spanning generations. That's true for each party. It is a relief that you are evenly praised across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer barriers. Korean movies like Parasite and Minari have won Oscars. How are you feeling? Top Gun and the Avengers are loved by Koreans. I also love Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and Blackpink.
I'm honored to address the members of Congress and the people of the United States. Thank you both Democrats and Republicans for passing the resolution marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance. Your support has dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea.
Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has always led the world in defense of freedom. Imperial nations fought for colonies, and humanity greatly suffered from the two World Wars. America righteously reinstated to defend freedom, but it was not without cost. We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, but more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific War. Their sacrifice was not in vain. U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade; it brought peace and prosperity throughout the world.
But prosperity was limited to free market economies where communist totalitarian nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and communist blocs. In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union helped to arm North Korea. North Korea's surprise attack threatened the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea's freedom and democracy were on the brink. At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely. The tears of our heroes were written. General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard in the landing of Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war. The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through 120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Lake Changjin.
Thank you. Thank you. Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to defend a country they never knew and the people they never met. In the Battle of Lake Changjin alone, 4,500 American service members lost their lives. Over the course of the war, almost 37,000 U.S. soldiers fell. The late Colonel William Weber fought in the battle for Heartbreak Ridge. He lost his right arm and leg. Yet this American hero dedicated his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by Korean War veterans. Today we are honored to have his granddaughter, Ms. Rivera, with us. Would you stand up, please?
On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We salute your noble service and sacrifice. Thank you. Some of the Korean War heroes are your family and friends. The late John Conyers Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. The former representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the alliance. Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us to defend freedom.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean War veterans and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific. I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean War as a proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and respect.
The war ended after three years of intense battle. Our two nations signed the Mutual Defense Treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving nation. And at every step, America has stood together with Korea. We have many reasons to celebrate our platinum anniversary. We had no guarantees of success when we started, but today our alliance is stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like no other. Indeed, it has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our alliance. Let me talk about the history of our alliance. The ties of our cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1882. In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values are the foundations of Korea's Constitution. They have made a huge impact on our independence movement and the foundations of Korea. Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton, and Lillias Horton are some of the missionaries who served in Korea at the end of the 19th century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor Rostow's model for economic growth. Korea wisely embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country, known as the Miracle on the Han River. Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the least developed countries after the war. Its annual income was just $67 per capita. Now this economy ranks 10th in the world.
Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world's most vibrant digital cities. Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world's second largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. There is also Busan bidding to host the World Expo in 2030. Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic. Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and democracy throughout the world since World War II. Korea's patriots are warriors of freedom. We fought side by side with the U.S. in Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
For over 70 years in the history of the alliance, we walked together in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial. The Korea-U.S. FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68 percent. Korean companies' investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies' investment in Korea has nearly doubled. Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs.
Take Austin, Texas. Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia. SK's EV battery plant is expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 electric vehicles every year and employ thousands of Americans.
And take Bay City in Michigan. It is home to SK Siltron and CSS well. President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American companies merging to achieve even greater growth. I hope to see more economic cooperation in other parts of America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support, my friends.
Years of active cultural and people-to-people exchange have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. Our Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugarcane plantations in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many parts of American society. They have played an important role in fostering close friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance spanning generations. That's true for each party. It is a relief that you are evenly praised across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer barriers. Korean movies like Parasite and Minari have won Oscars. How are you feeling? Top Gun and the Avengers are loved by Koreans. I also love Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and Blackpink.
I'm honored to address the members of Congress and the people of the United States. Thank you both Democrats and Republicans for passing the resolution marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance. Your support has dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea.
Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has always led the world in defense of freedom. Imperial nations fought for colonies, and humanity greatly suffered from the two World Wars. America righteously reinstated to defend freedom, but it was not without cost. We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, but more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific War. Their sacrifice was not in vain. U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade; it brought peace and prosperity throughout the world.
But prosperity was limited to free market economies where communist totalitarian nations did not participate. The world was divided into democratic and communist blocs. In 1950, the Korean Peninsula was on the front line. The Soviet Union helped to arm North Korea. North Korea's surprise attack threatened the peace on the Korean Peninsula and Asia. Korea's freedom and democracy were on the brink. At that decisive moment, the U.S. did not look the other way. Korean and American soldiers stood shoulder to shoulder and fought bravely. The tears of our heroes were written. General MacArthur caught the enemy off guard in the landing of Incheon and turned the tide of the war. Operation Chromite was one of the greatest decisions ever made in the history of war. The U.S. 1st Marine Division miraculously broke through 120,000 Chinese troops at the Battle of Lake Changjin.
Thank you. Thank you. Sons and daughters of America sacrificed their lives to defend a country they never knew and the people they never met. In the Battle of Lake Changjin alone, 4,500 American service members lost their lives. Over the course of the war, almost 37,000 U.S. soldiers fell. The late Colonel William Weber fought in the battle for Heartbreak Ridge. He lost his right arm and leg. Yet this American hero dedicated his life to honoring the noble sacrifice made by Korean War veterans. Today we are honored to have his granddaughter, Ms. Rivera, with us. Would you stand up, please?
On behalf of the Korean people, I would like to thank you deeply. We salute your noble service and sacrifice. Thank you. Some of the Korean War heroes are your family and friends. The late John Conyers Jr., Sam Johnson, and Howard Coble were veteran congressmen who promoted freedom and democracy. The former representative Charles Rangel has been a strong supporter of the alliance. Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us to defend freedom.
I take this opportunity to pay tribute to all the Korean War veterans and their families. You did not hesitate to send your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific. I thank the U.S. and its people for honoring the Korean War as a proud legacy. Thank you also for treating the veterans with honor and respect.
The war ended after three years of intense battle. Our two nations signed the Mutual Defense Treaty and opened a new era of the alliance. Ever since, the Korean people rose from the ruins of war to build a thriving nation. And at every step, America has stood together with Korea. We have many reasons to celebrate our platinum anniversary. We had no guarantees of success when we started, but today our alliance is stronger than ever, more prosperous together, and more connected like no other. Indeed, it has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace, and prosperity.
Once a recipient of aid, Korea is the only nation in modern history to become a donor. This itself demonstrates the success of our alliance. Let me talk about the history of our alliance. The ties of our cooperation and exchange span over 140 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1882. In the late 19th century, American missionaries helped to widely introduce the values of freedom and solidarity to Korea. These values are the foundations of Korea's Constitution. They have made a huge impact on our independence movement and the foundations of Korea. Horace Underwood, Henry Appenzeller, Mary Scranton, and Lillias Horton are some of the missionaries who served in Korea at the end of the 19th century. They built schools and hospitals. They promoted education of women. Their efforts laid the foundations for many Korean women to advance into society as educators, journalists, and doctors.
In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended Professor Rostow's model for economic growth. Korea wisely embraced the idea and pushed economic development forward. It laid the foundation for Korea to become an industrialized country, known as the Miracle on the Han River. Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the least developed countries after the war. Its annual income was just $67 per capita. Now this economy ranks 10th in the world.
Seoul was once reduced to ashes. Now it is one of the world's most vibrant digital cities. Busan was once flooded with war refugees. Now it is the world's second largest port city in terms of transshipment volume. There is also Busan bidding to host the World Expo in 2030. Korea is winning the hearts of global citizens. It is dynamic. Freedom is thriving and democracy is robust.
Korea and the U.S. have joined forces to safeguard freedom and democracy throughout the world since World War II. Korea's patriots are warriors of freedom. We fought side by side with the U.S. in Afghanistan, Iraq, and others.
For over 70 years in the history of the alliance, we walked together in military and security sectors. We also expanded our cooperation in the economic field. Our relationship has evolved from one of unilateral assistance to a partnership that is mutually beneficial. The Korea-U.S. FTA was approved with the full support of the U.S. Congress in 2011. Since then, our bilateral trade has increased by 68 percent. Korean companies' investment in America has tripled. U.S. companies' investment in Korea has nearly doubled. Korean companies are contributing to vitalize the U.S. economy. They are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars, and other products here in America. And more importantly, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs.
Take Austin, Texas. Samsung's semiconductor plant has created nearly 10,000 jobs as of 2020.
Take Bryan County, Georgia. SK's EV battery plant is expected to be operational by late 2024. It will produce 300,000 electric vehicles every year and employ thousands of Americans.
And take Bay City in Michigan. It is home to SK Siltron and CSS well. President Biden visited. It is an example of Korean and American companies merging to achieve even greater growth. I hope to see more economic cooperation in other parts of America. In this regard, I count on your keen interest and support, my friends.
Years of active cultural and people-to-people exchange have deepened our friendship. This year also marks the 120th anniversary of Korean immigration to the U.S. Our Korean immigrants arrived as workers on sugarcane plantations in Hawaii. Since then, Korean Americans have made their way into many parts of American society. They have played an important role in fostering close friendship and writing the history of our alliance.
Representatives Young Kim, Andy Kim, Michelle Steel, and Marilyn Strickland are here with us. They are a testament to the alliance spanning generations. That's true for each party. It is a relief that you are evenly praised across the aisle.
Even more, culture is helping to further deepen our understanding and friendship. Nationality and language differences are no longer barriers. Korean movies like Parasite and Minari have won Oscars. How are you feeling? Top Gun and the Avengers are loved by Koreans. I also love Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and even if you didn't know my name, you may know BTS and Blackpink.
I'm honored to address the members of Congress and the people of the United States. Thank you both Democrats and Republicans for passing the resolution marking the 70th anniversary of the alliance. Your support has dignified my visit. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea.
Over the past century, we have faced many threats, but the U.S. has always led the world in defense of freedom. Imperial nations fought for colonies, and humanity greatly suffered from the two World Wars. America righteously reinstated to defend freedom, but it was not without cost. We remember the leadership of General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz, but more than 100,000 American men and women perished in the Pacific War. Their sacrifice was not in vain. U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade; it brought peace and prosperity throughout the world.
We honor American heroes like the late Corporal William Weber, who fought in the Korean War and lost his right arm. On behalf of the Korean people, I thank you deeply. We salute your noble service and sacrifice. Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought to defend freedom. The war ended after three years, and our two nations signed a mutual defense treaty. Our alliance has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace, and prosperity. Korea rose from the ruins to build a thriving nation, and America has stood with us every step. Once a recipient of aid, Korea is now a donor. Let me talk about the history of our alliance, spanning over 140 years. American missionaries introduced values of freedom and solidarity, laying the foundations for Korea's constitution. In the early 1960s, the Kennedy administration recommended economic reforms, which President Park Chung-hee embraced, leading to the Miracle on the Han River. Seoul and Busan have been transformed. Korea and the US have joined forces to safeguard freedom worldwide. Our economic cooperation has grown with Korean companies creating jobs in America. Cultural exchanges have deepened our friendship. I love Top Gun and Mission Impossible too, and even if you didn't know my name, you know BTS and Blackpink. I thank Congress for passing the resolution marking the 70th anniversary. I know that no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea.