New york: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has met with Korean leaders and residents in New York to express gratitude for their roles in enhancing South Korea-U.S. relations, his office announced Sunday. This marks Kim's first visit to the United States since assuming office in July 2025, and it includes a five-day trip to both Washington and New York.

According to Yonhap News Agency, during his visit, Kim held discussions with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and suggested that the United States consider sending a special envoy to North Korea to improve relations between Washington and Pyongyang. This meeting took place on Friday, as part of his agenda to strengthen diplomatic ties.

On Saturday, Kim hosted a luncheon meeting with five prominent Korean representatives and local community leaders in New York. The purpose of the gathering was to share insights from his trip and to thank these individuals for their efforts in fostering the development of bilateral relations. The attendees included New York State representatives Ron Kim and Grace Lee, Mayor of Palisades Park Chong Paul Kim, Mayor of Englewood Cliffs Mark Park, and Council of Korean Americans President Abraham Kim.

In a separate engagement, the prime minister met with Korean residents in the New York area. He commended their contributions to the growth of South Korea and encouraged them to continue playing an active role in strengthening ties between South Korea and the United States, as stated by his office.