Washington, D.C. — South Korea’s newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Kang Kyung-wha, pledged on Monday to further deepen the long-standing alliance between Seoul and Washington, describing it as the cornerstone of President Lee Jae Myung’s “pragmatic diplomacy.”
Speaking at her inauguration ceremony at the Korean Embassy in Washington, Ambassador Kang underscored that the South Korea–U.S. partnership remains central to Seoul’s foreign policy approach. Earlier in the day, she presented her diplomatic credentials to Monica Crowley, the U.S. Chief of Protocol at the State Department, officially marking the start of her ambassadorial duties.
“Despite complex global challenges, our government will respond nimbly through pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests,” Kang said, adding that “the South Korea–U.S. alliance lies at the foundation of this pragmatic diplomacy.”
According to a statement from the embassy, Ambassador Kang emphasized that the bilateral alliance has evolved into a “future-oriented comprehensive partnership” built on three key pillars — security, economics, and cutting-edge technology. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening cooperation across these domains, ensuring the alliance remains adaptable to emerging global trends.
Kang also highlighted her intent to expand engagement beyond official diplomacy. She announced plans to enhance communication with U.S. government officials, Congress, think tanks, academic circles, media organizations, and the Korean-American community.
During her meeting with Crowley, Kang expressed her determination to act as a “bridge of communication” between Seoul and Washington, ensuring smooth coordination on shared priorities. Her tenure begins as both nations prepare for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to South Korea later this month for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.
The Korean Embassy noted that Crowley congratulated Kang on assuming her new post and assured her of full support in maintaining strong coordination on key bilateral issues, including preparations for the upcoming summit.
Kang, who arrived in the United States on Saturday, told reporters she would deploy “all embassy capacities” to address trade, security, and technological cooperation with Washington.
Between 2017 and 2021, Kang served as South Korea’s Foreign Minister under former President Moon Jae-in, where she played a pivotal role in advancing Seoul’s global diplomacy and peace initiatives on the Korean Peninsula. Her new appointment, analysts suggest, signals continuity and renewed focus on strengthening U.S.–South Korea relations amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
