South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday hailed the U.S. as an unflinching guardian of freedom and advised Congress that he sees a “new future” for the alliance marked by vibrant democracies, cultural exports and “decent, well-paying jobs” from Texas to Georgia.

Mr. Yoon, who spoke in English, hailed the conception of the U.S. as a brand new nation steeped in liberty and mentioned bipartisan help in Washington “dignified my visit.”

“I know that, no matter where you sit, you stand with Korea,” he advised a joint assembly of the House and Senate.

Mr. Yoon, who's on a six-day state go to, mentioned the help is extra essential than ever as North Korea agitates Seoul with elevated missile checks and aggression within the area.

The South Korean chief struck a nuclear cooperation take care of President Biden on Wednesday to discourage North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. Mr. Yoon mentioned he's conserving the door open to dialogue with Pyongyang, however highlighted the stark variations between the communist northern capital and Seoul.

“North Korea has abandoned freedom and prosperity and abandoned peace,” he mentioned. “To deter its reckless behavior, the alliance must stand united with determination.”

Mr. Yoon additionally pleaded with Congress to make clear human rights abuses in North Korea.

Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy presided over the joint assembly.

Mr. Yoon obtained a heat welcome from the packed chamber and greeted lawmakers within the aisle on his solution to the rostrum, even posing for fast pictures. Loud cheers and prolonged applause dotted his remarks.

Mr. Yoon mentioned there was no assure of success when the alliance rose from the ashes of the Korean War within the Nineteen Fifties. But at the moment, he mentioned, it's “stronger than ever, more prosperous together and more connected — like no other.”

“Indeed, it has been the linchpin safeguarding our freedom, peace and prosperity,” he mentioned.

Mr. Yoon mentioned mutual investments are bearing fruit in each nations, pointing to South Korean-funded factories in Texas and Georgia and acknowledging their congressional delegations within the crowd.

“They are producing EV batteries, semiconductors, cars and other products in America,” he mentioned. “More important, they are creating decent, well-paying jobs.”

He additionally name-checked U.S. lawmakers with South Korean heritage, permitting them to face and obtain applause.

On a critical word, he mentioned rampant disinformation and authoritarian leaders are a risk to each nations’ prosperity.

“Totalitarian forces may conceal and disguise themselves as defenders of democracy or human rights, but in reality, they deny freedom and democracy. We must not be fooled by such deception and disguises,” he mentioned.

He additionally denounced Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a violation of worldwide legislation, a distinction to different international locations within the area resembling China.

“Korea strongly condemns the unprovoked, armed attack against Ukraine,” he mentioned.

Mr. Biden hosted Mr. Yoon late Wednesday within the second state dinner of his presidency. French President Emmanuel Macron was the primary visitor.

Mr. Biden and Mr. Yoon introduced an settlement designed to discourage North Korea from launching a nuclear assault, together with the deployment of a U.S. nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea for the primary time in almost 40 years.

The association, dubbed the “Washington Declaration,” was the centerpiece of Mr. Yoon’s go to to Washington.

“Korea, with the U.S., will continue to work for Korea’s denuclearization,” Mr. Yoon advised Congress.

Mr. Yoon and Mr. Biden toured the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington at first of the state go to.

The South Korean chief on Thursday hailed the bravery of American troops who sacrificed their lives in faraway lands throughout World War II.

“U.S. leadership established the new world order based on free trade, it brought peace and prosperity throughout the world,” Mr. Yoon mentioned.

He mentioned that new prosperity was restricted to free nations, whereas the Soviet Union backed North Korean forces within the subsequent nice battle on the Korean peninsula.

Mr. Yoon detailed key battles within the Korean War, together with U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur’s touchdown at Inchon, and hailed the sacrifices of Americans on behalf of individuals they by no means knew or met.

He additionally singled out former members of Congress who fought within the Korean War and promoted the alliance.

“Korea will never forget the great American heroes who fought with us to defend freedom,” Mr. Yoon mentioned. “You did not hesitate to send your sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. You answered the call to defend the freedom of a country across the Pacific.”

Mr. Yoon mentioned U.S. help allowed his nation to grow to be a hit story, going from a receiver of international support to a donor.

“Korea’s economic growth rate was unrivaled,” Mr. Yoon mentioned, describing a deeply impoverished nation within the mid-Twentieth century. “Now, its economy ranks 10th in the world.”

Mr. Yoon, who charmed White House guests with a rendition of “American Pie” late Wednesday, mentioned he cherished the “Top Gun” and “Mission Impossible” franchises of films.

In flip, he mentioned South Korea’s cultural exports are successful the hearts of Americans, from Oscar-winning movies to Okay-Pop idols who dominate streaming companies.

“BTS beat me to the White House,” he mentioned, “but I beat them to Capitol Hill.”

— Jeff Mordock contributed to this report.

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