Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, said Wednesday that civilian organizations have become increasingly vital to the U.S.-South Korea alliance as the global security environment shifts rapidly. Brunson spoke at the Korea America Friendship Night, held at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul, an event hosted by the Korea America Friendship Society to mark its 35th anniversary and honor U.S. service members stationed in South Korea.
“As the global security landscape changes rapidly, the role of civilian organizations working for Korea-U.S. friendship is more important than ever,” Brunson said. He described the society as a bridge that has helped deepen relations between the two countries.
Brunson noted that while the military focuses on readiness and deterrence, the society works in the civilian sphere through cultural integration programs and community service activities. He said these efforts helped U.S. troops view South Korea as more than the country of an ally.
“It has helped our service members find another home and turn partners in uniform into lifelong friends,” he said.
Seven U.S. service members received the Korea America Friendship Award for activities that promoted understanding of local communities, English education, cultural exchanges and disaster relief. The recipients included 1st Lt. Noah Rodney of U.S. Special Operations Command Korea. Hong Young-chul, chairman of Kiswire, also received an award for his continued support of Korea-U.S. friendship, becoming the first civilian recipient.
Lee Yong-jun, chairman of the Korea America Friendship Society, thanked U.S. troops for defending the Korean Peninsula and emphasized the alliance’s importance to regional security. He said North Korea’s expanding nuclear capabilities and the military experience and advanced weapons it had reportedly acquired through its involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine presented direct security threats.
“Developments in the Middle East, closer cooperation among North Korea, China and Russia and tensions across the Taiwan Strait are increasing instability surrounding the Korean Peninsula and fundamentally reshaping the international order,” Lee said. “This is a time when the role of the South Korea-U.S. alliance is more essential than ever.”
Kang Yun-jin, vice minister of patriots and veterans affairs, said the alliance is founded on more than weapons and military operations. “The strong alliance between our two countries is founded on friendship, trust and shared values,” Kang said. “The Republic of Korea will never forget the sacrifices and contributions of U.S. service members stationed here.”
James R. Heller, chargé d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, said relations between the countries extend beyond governmental cooperation. Noting that the United States is commemorating the 250th anniversary of its independence this year, Heller said, “We want to celebrate not only the path our two countries have traveled together but also the future of the alliance that we will build together over the next 250 years.” He expressed confidence the alliance will grow stronger on the basis of shared values, mutual trust and unwavering friendship.
About 330 people attended the event, including U.S. service members, U.S. Embassy employees and members of the friendship society.
Founded in June 1991, the Korea America Friendship Society is a nonprofit civic organization that promotes the South Korea-U.S. alliance through cultural and academic exchanges, policy research, support programs for U.S. troops and projects intended to increase their understanding of South Korea. The organization holds the friendship night each June, the month in which the Korean War began, to recognize the service of U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea.