"Korea and U.S. Evolve from Military Security to Economic and Technological Alliance"… Business Leaders Gather for 250th Anniversary of U.S. Founding

More than 180 Attendees, Including Political, Business Leaders, and Veterans from Both Korea and the U.S.

Standing Ovation for Korean War Veterans

Honoring the Deepening Korea-U.S. Friendship and Alliance

"Korea-U.S. Military and Economic Ties More Important Than Ever"

The Korean business community gathered to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. They expressed their gratitude and respect to veterans and the United States Forces Korea for their dedication to the freedom and peace of the Republic of Korea, while reflecting on the meaning of the Korea-U.S. alliance, which has been maintained for over 70 years.

The Federation of Korean Industries held the “250th Anniversary of the United States Founding Celebration Dinner” on the 17th at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.

More than 180 guests attended the event, including political and business figures from both Korea and the U.S., as well as United States Forces Korea representatives. From the Korean government, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook and Deputy Minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs Kang Yun-jin were present. On the U.S. side, attendees included U.S. Ambassador to Korea Michelle Steel, Commander of United States Forces Korea Xavier T. Brunson, and the 66th U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Representing the business community were Shin Dong-bin, Chairman of Lotte; Cho Won-tae, Chairman of Korean Air; Kim Yun, Chairman of Samyang; Lee Jang-han, Chairman of Chong Kun Dang; Kim Jung-soo, Chairman of Samyang Round Square; as well as members of the Federation’s board. Major group representatives included Koo Ja-eun, Chairman of LS Group; Choi Yoon-beom, Chairman of Korea Zinc; Heo Jin-su, Vice Chairman of Sangmidang Holdings; and executives from major conglomerates such as Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK, and LG.

The Federation of Korean Industries held a "250th Anniversary Celebration Dinner for the Founding of the United States" on the 17th at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul, marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Jin Ryu, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, delivered the opening remarks at the dinner event. Photo by Jooni Park.

In particular, the significance of the event was heightened by the attendance of six Korean War veterans who returned to Korea, along with four veterans who served in United States Forces Korea across two generations.

In his welcoming address, Jin Ryu, Chairman of the Federation of Korean Industries, congratulated the United States on its 250th founding anniversary, stating, "Etched in that history is a special bond forged with Korea." He continued, "The Incheon Landing Operation around this time in 1950 was a turning point that rekindled hope for the Korean people. The hope created by the courage and sacrifice of the veterans paved the way for today's proud Republic of Korea, for freedom and prosperity." On behalf of the Korean business community, he expressed gratitude and respect to the attending veterans and United States Forces Korea members.

He added, "The Korea-U.S. alliance has now evolved from a military-security partnership into one of the most successful economic and technological alliances." He went on to say, "I hope that both countries, as our closest friends and allies, will continue to create a brighter new chapter in history together." Chairman Ryu emphasized, "Let’s move forward together."

Following this, Prime Minister Han delivered a special address, saying, "Starting from security cooperation, the Korea-U.S. alliance has advanced beyond trade and investment to encompass cutting-edge technology, evolving into an economic and technological partnership. If the United States, with its advanced industries, and Korea, equipped with top-level manufacturing and digital infrastructure, connect their respective strengths, both our peoples will enjoy greater opportunities, better jobs, and usher in a new era of shared prosperity."

Prime Minister Han promised, "The government will swiftly improve unreasonable systems and regulations in accordance with global standards, so that companies can invest and collaborate with confidence in a predictable environment."

In her congratulatory remarks, Ambassador Steel highlighted that "over 70 years of Korea-U.S. military cooperation and shared sacrifice have formed the foundation of our alliance." She added, "Today, companies in the U.S. and Korea work side-by-side in diverse fields, from semiconductors and pharmaceuticals to critical minerals and artificial intelligence (AI). We will support American companies to succeed in Korea as well as Korean companies to invest, grow, and create jobs in the United States."

Commander Brunson remarked, "The Korea-U.S. alliance began with shared sacrifices on the battlefield and has now developed into a global partnership spanning national defense, the economy, technology, culture, and more."

Koo Kjae-eun, Chairman of LS Group, is entering the '250th Anniversary of the Founding of the United States Celebration Dinner' venue at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 17th. Photo by Junyi Park.

During a special ceremony, participants lit cheers sticks symbolizing K-pop culture together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Following the celebratory cake cutting, a video honoring the dedication of Korean War veterans was screened, expressing gratitude and respect. Attendees gave a standing ovation to the 10 veterans visiting Korea—six Korean War veterans and four United States Forces Korea veterans—to show their appreciation. Donato Ernest Nigro, a 98-year-old Korean War veteran, responded on behalf of the veterans with an address, reminding attendees of the long-standing friendship and alliance between Korea and the United States.

In addition, Federation member companies such as Lotte, Korean Air, Chong Kun Dang, Youngone Corporation, LG, and Samyang Round Square contributed by providing commemorative gifts for the event. Samsung Electronics also specially supported the veterans with its flagship products to express gratitude.

The dinner began with a toast proposed by Deputy Minister Kang and Joseph Hilbert, Commander of the U.S. Eighth Army. After dinner, singer Insooni and the U.S. Eighth Army Jazz Band performed together on stage. Presenters from both Korea and the United States joined together musically to commemorate the special meaning of the 250th anniversary of the United States founding.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.