Washington: U.S. Congressional Korea Caucus chairs have extended their congratulations to newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and underscored their unwavering support for the enduring alliance between the United States and South Korea. This announcement comes in the wake of Lee's election victory, which followed the ouster of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Reps. Ami Bera (D-CA), Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Mike Kelly (R-PA) issued a joint statement highlighting the significance of the U.S.-Korea relationship. They emphasized the "ironclad" nature of this alliance, describing South Korea as a "key and indispensable" ally of the United States. The statement also acknowledged the historical ties between the two nations, marking the 75th anniversary of the Korean War's outbreak, and its role as the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Korea Caucus chairs expressed optimism about working alongside President Lee and his administration to address the challenges facing the Korean Peninsula and the broader region. They also recognized the contribution of approximately two million Korean Americans in maintaining the strong bilateral relationship.

Recent developments within the Korea Caucus include Rep. Strickland assuming the co-chair position after the passing of Gerald Connolly. Meanwhile, Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the alliance and promoting a democratic South Korea, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-ROK alliance for peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Additionally, congratulatory messages poured in from other U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), who expressed his eagerness to work with President Lee to enhance the U.S.-ROK alliance and promote trilateral security cooperation with Japan. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) also conveyed his hopes for strengthening the alliance to uphold regional security and economic prosperity.

Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) pledged continued support for the South Korea-U.S. partnership, highlighting his advocacy through the bipartisan U.S.-ROK Alliance Resolution, which now boasts 50 bipartisan cosponsors.