In brief
In Seoul, Prime Minister Han Seong‑sook told a parliamentary budget committee that the outcome of U.S. midterm elections would not alter the South Korea‑U.S. alliance, a partnership that has endured for more than 70 years. Presidential spokesperson Kang Yu‑jung echoed the stance, noting that bipartisan support in Washington keeps the alliance resilient and that Seoul will pursue U.S. investment projects under principles of national interest and commercial reasonableness.
During a Seoul parliamentary budget committee session on Thursday, Prime Minister Han Seong‑sook answered a lawmaker’s question about the impact of Donald Trump’s Republican Party losing the U.S. midterm elections on the South Korea‑U.S. alliance. The chairman expressed confidence that the partnership would endure unchanged, citing bipartisan respect for the relationship across Washington’s political spectrum.
The Prime Minister was asked to assess how the “crushing defeat” might shift American foreign or defense priorities. In a calm and measured response, she said the Democratic Party’s victory had come stronger than expected, yet that the alliance would “not be affected by the outcome of certain elections.”
Prime Minister Han Seong‑sook said a while into the hearing:
As both the Democratic and Republican parties have considered the alliance between the two countries important, I think there will not be very big changes in relations with South Korea.
She went on to note that “there are parts that we should analyze one by one in detail and other parts that require additional measures.” A brief mention followed that each relevant ministry is currently reviewing the implications of the midterm results and how to proceed in a diplomatic strategy toward Washington. The question generated from this panel highlighted concerns among lawmakers that shifts in U.S. congressional majorities could change defense and trade policy timing or partnership projects.
At a later press briefing, Kang Yu‑jung, a spokesperson for the South Korean presidential office, reiterated the Prime Minister’s sentiment. She underscored the alliance’s resilience, built over more than 70 years based on bipartisan U.S. support. Kang was quoted to say:
The South Korea–U.S. alliance is one that has developed solidly over more than 70 years based on bipartisan U.S. support, and the results of certain elections are unlikely to affect the alliance.
She added that the South Korean government would continue to communicate closely with both the U.S. administration and Congress, pursuing development of the alliance. “We will also continue to pursue investment projects in the U.S. based on our agreement with the Trump government, noting the specifics of the investment would be reviewed under the principles of ‘national interests first,’ commercial reasonableness and relevant procedures,” Kang explained.
Both statements arrive against a backdrop of a series of announced policy reviews and defense agreements between Seoul and Washington. The political narrative, therefore, remains clear: U.S. bipartisan approval of the partnership, South Korea’s continued investment in U.S. projects, and a shared dedication to national security. The alliance, continually described as “solid” in the face of changing administrations, is underpinned by decades of defense agreements, joint exercises, and open economic dialogue.
In light of the U.S. midterm results, the President’s office reaffirmed that the alliance will not succumb to “the results of certain elections.” Instead, it will “continue to pursue investment projects in the U.S. based on our agreement with the Trump government, noting the specifics of the investment would be reviewed under the principles of ‘national interests first,’ commercial reasonableness and relevant procedures.” These statements imply that despite shifts in U.S. internal politics, policy continuity is expected in the South Korea‑United States relationship.
Overall, Seoul’s prime minister and presidential office signal that the partnership remains steadfast, built on a 70‑year record that transcends partisan divides. As Washington’s government realigns its legislative priorities, South Korea’s leadership declares its commitment to an enduring friendship and collaboration that continues to shape regional security and economic cooperation.
Report by the MetaWorld Media desk.
