Ex-top US envoy recalls his decision to come to Korea as most rewarding

Former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg speaks throughout his interview with the Hankook Ilbo at his residence in central Seoul on this Sept. 25, 2023 photograph. Korea Instances photograph by Wang Tae-seok

Former U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg recalled that his choice to come back to Seoul to function the highest envoy was essentially the most rewarding alternative he had made.

Goldberg made the comment in his farewell message on social media Wednesday, a day after he left his put up following a two and a half yr time period — additionally his final place earlier than retirement.

„After I first thought-about retiring just a few years in the past, I selected to postpone that plan to function the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (ROK). That call was some of the rewarding ones of my profession,“ Goldberg mentioned in a video clip posted on X.

„I’ve witnessed the power of the U.S.-ROK alliance, the heat of the Korean individuals, and in latest weeks, the resilience of Korea’s democracy,“ he mentioned.

The political turmoil in Korea, sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s stunning and temporary imposition of martial regulation, and subsequently his impeachment, utterly upended the ambassador’s closing month in Seoul.

Washington had reacted with a adverse tone, expressing „grave considerations“ over Seoul’s political instability. However the allies shortly moved to strengthen their dedication to the alliance, with the U.S. inserting full confidence in Korea’s democratic and constitutional processes.

Goldberg once more highlighted the worth of the bilateral alliance.

„Collectively, we have marked over 70 years of the U.S.-ROK alliance, an everlasting partnership constructed on shared values, mutual respect and our dedication to democracy, peace and safety,“ he mentioned.

„I retire I go away with gratitude for our shared successes and confidence within the continued power of the U.S.-ROK alliance,“ Goldberg added. (Yonhap)