Amb. Kang visited Wesleyan University and held an engaging discussion with faculty members of East Asian Studies and students on “Korea’s Role in a Changing World Order.” The discussion covered key issues in the ROK-U.S. relationship and inter-Korean relations, including the evolution of the alliance beyond security to encompass the economy and advanced technology, as well as the changing security environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula. The conversation also highlighted the global reach of Korean culture, from K-pop and K-dramas to Korea’s broader cultural influence, and how it has contributed to growing interest in and understanding of Korea. Amb. Kang also introduced Korea’s policies on artificial intelligence (AI). More than 100 Wesleyan students participated in the discussion with great enthusiasm, raising thoughtful questions on the ROK-U.S. relationship, developments on the Korean Peninsula, Korean culture, and Korea’s policies.

Chuseok Chuseok (추석), also known as Hangawi (한가위), is one of the most important traditional holidays in Korea. It is held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its fullest and brightest. On Chuseok, Koreans enjoy “Songpyeon (송편 or, half-moon rice cakes)", which represent hopes for a prosperous year to come. Traditionally, Chuseok is a time to express gratitude for the year’s harvest and gather with family to share joyful moments. The Korean proverb "May every day be as bountiful as Hangawi (더도 말고 덜도 말고 한가위만 같아라)" captures the rich and festive spirit of Chuseok. 모두 풍성한 한가위 보내세요! May your Chuseok be full of abundance and happiness! #MOFA #KOREAZ #Chuseok #추석

On September 24, Amb. Kang visited the Korea Center for Industrial Technology-Yale(KCITY) at Yale University in Connecticut, and met with Korean Studies faculty and Korean students. Supported by Korea’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, KCITY is part of a global technology cooperation initiative aimed at advancing next-generation technologies by promoting joint R&D and exchanges between Korean companies and leading research institutions. Since 2024, Yale has operated KCITY as a platform to strengthen U.S.-ROK technology ties and expand joint research. Amb. Kang noted that partnership with Yale can play an important role in Korea’s efforts to become a high-tech-driven industrial powerhouse. She highlighted KCITY as a strong example of U.S.-ROK joint research and expressed hope that it will serve as a solid foundation for the two countries to advance the industries and technologies of the future together. Amb. Kang also emphasized that research on and interest in Korea are vital to deepening mutual understanding and strengthening U.S.-ROK relations. Highlighting the important role of Korean Studies faculty and Korean students, she encouraged the students to excel in their respective fields and serve as bridges between Korea and the United States.

Amb. Kang visited the World Affairs Council of Connecticut and held an engaging public discussion with Roy Kamphausen, former President of the National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR). The discussion covered key issues in the ROK-U.S. relationship, including the evolution of the alliance beyond security to encompass the economy and advanced technology, efforts to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries, including strategic investments in the United States, and ROK-U.S. coordinated efforts toward peace and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. The conversation also highlighted the global reach of Korean culture—from K-pop and K-dramas to K-beauty—as well as Korea’s democracy, history, and cultural heritage. Through the discussion, Amb. Kang emphasized Korea’s role in a changing international landscape and the strong people-to-people and cultural ties between Korea and the United States. Around 100 participants, including diplomatic and security experts, Connecticut leaders, business and academic representatives, and Model UN students and Youth Ambassadors, joined the event and took part in an engaging Q&A session. The lively exchange showed the participants’ keen interest in the present and future of the ROK-U.S. Alliance, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and the direction of cooperation the two countries can build together.

Amb. Kang met with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont at his residence to discuss ways to deepen Korea-Connecticut economic and people-to-people ties. Amb. Kang called for continued state-level attention and support to ensure the stable operations and continued investment of Korean companies in Connecticut. She also asked for continued interest in and support for the Korean American community in Connecticut. Gov. Lamont reaffirmed his support for Korean investment and economic cooperation. Grateful to Governor Lamont for his warm hospitality and a Korean-style lunch thoughtfully prepared for the occasion, featuring kimchi and galbi.

트럼프 미국 대통령께서 유엔총회에 참석한 각국 수석대표를 위해 마련한 리셉션에 참석했습니다. 세계 각국의 정상과 대표들을 반갑게 만나 다양한 이야기를 나눴습니다. 공식 회담과는 또 다른 편안한 자리에서 격의 없이 대화를 나누며 서로에 대한 이해와 우의를 더욱 깊이 했습니다. 럼 베트남 당서기장님과는 양국 관계 발전과 한반도 평화를, 아누틴 찬위라꾼 태국 총리님과는 방산 협력과 역내 정세를 논의했습니다. 페트르 파벨 체코 대통령님과는 우리 기업의 투자와 원전 협력에 대해, 알라르 카리스 에스토니아 대통령님과는 방산과 인적 교류 확대에 대해 의견을 나눴습니다. 제 바로 앞 순서에서 기조연설을 하셨던 오흐나 흐렐수흐 몽골 대통령님과는 서로의 총회 연설에 대한 소감도 나눴습니다. 타지키스탄·카자흐스탄·우즈베키스탄 대표님들과도 만나 한-중앙아시아 정상회의에서 맺은 인연을 이어갔습니다. 시시르 커날 네팔 외교장관님께는 최근 대홍수 피해에 대한 위로와 연대의 뜻을 전했고, 호세 마누엘 레스트레포 콜롬비아 부통령님과 마누엘 토바르 리베라 코스타리카 외교장관님과는 중남미와의 교류를 더욱 넓혀갈 필요성에 함께 공감했습니다. 외교는 곧 사람 간 신뢰에서 시작됩니다. 여러 국가와 협력의 지평을 넓히며 우리 국익을 지키고, 국민의 삶에 보탬이 되는 실용적인 외교를 이어가겠다 다짐합니다. 함께해주신 모든 정상들께 깊은 감사를 전합니다. I attended a reception hosted by U.S. President Trump for the heads of delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly. It was a pleasure to meet leaders and representatives from around the world and exchange views on a wide range of issues. It was a meaningful opportunity to communicate openly and build goodwill in a more informal setting than official meetings. I spoke with General Secretary Tô Lâm of Vietnam about the development of bilateral relations and peace on the Korean Peninsula, and with Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul about defense cooperation and regional affairs. I also spoke with Czech President Petr Pavel about investment by Korean companies and cooperation in the nuclear sector, and with Estonian President Alar Karis about defense cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. I had a pleasant conversation with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, who delivered his keynote address immediately before mine, as we exchanged impressions of each other’s speeches. I also had the opportunity to meet representatives from Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, building on the ties established through the recent Korea–Central Asia Summit. I expressed my condolences and solidarity to Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal over the devastating floods. With Colombia’s Vice President José Manuel Restrepo and Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera, I shared the view that exchanges between Korea and Latin America should be further expanded. Diplomacy begins with trust built through encounters like these. I will continue to expand the horizons of cooperation with countries around the world, pursuing pragmatic diplomacy that protects Korea’s national interests and improves the lives of our people. My deepest thanks to all the leaders I met.

Chuseok is a time for gratitude, family, and shared abundance, and this year we celebrated it with our neighbors in Washington. Together with the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. and the Smithsonian's National Museum of Asian Art, we welcomed hundreds of visitors to experience Korean music, dance, and crafts traditions. Culture brings us closer, and we're grateful to share ours. 🇰🇷🇺🇸 #Chuseok #KoreanCulture #USKorea #SmithsonianAsianArt

<더욱 깊어진 신뢰로, 평화와 번영의 미래를 열겠습니다.> 지난 7월 앙카라에 이어 두 달여 만에 트럼프 대통령님(@realDonaldTrump)을 다시 만났습니다. 한층 두터워진 신뢰와 우정을 바탕으로, 한미동맹을 발전시켜 나가겠다는 공동의 의지를 재차 확인한 소중한 시간이었습니다. 최근 치열한 협상 끝에 한미 양국의 ‘전략 투자’ 사업 논의가 큰 진전을 이뤘습니다. 이를 비롯해 핵잠수함 연료 및 농축·재처리, 조선 협력, 전작권 전환에 이르기까지, 폭넓은 분야에서 양국 간 협력을 더욱 강화할 방안에 대해 깊이 있는 논의를 나누었습니다. 무엇보다 북미 대화에 대한 트럼프 대통령님의 의지를 다시 한번 확인한 것이 뜻깊습니다. 한미 양국은 피스메이커와 페이스메이커로서, 멈춰진 대화의 물꼬를 트고 한반도에 지속 가능한 평화가 정착될 수 있도록 더욱 긴밀히 소통할 것입니다. 오늘의 만남이 ‘한미 미래형 포괄적 전략동맹’을 더욱 발전시킬 중요한 이정표로 기록될 수 있길 바랍니다. 트럼프 대통령님께서 프랑스 에비앙에서 나눴던 골프 약속에 대해 다시 말씀해 주셨는데, 연말에 마이애미에서 열릴 G20 정상회의 때 다시 만나 못다 한 이야기를 이어갈 수 있길 기대합니다. 앞으로도 한미동맹의 힘찬 여정은 흔들림 없이 계속될 것입니다. 한반도와 인도 태평양 지역의 평화와 안정, 번영을 든든히 뒷받침할 수 있도록, 한미 양국이 더욱 굳건히 협력해 나가겠습니다. <With Deeper Trust, We Will Open a Future of Peace and Prosperity> It was a pleasure to meet President Trump (@realDonaldTrump) again, just two months after seeing each other in Ankara. It was a valuable opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to further strengthening the ROK-US alliance, building on our deeper trust and friendship. Through recent intensive negotiations, our discussions on bilateral strategic investment projects have made significant progress. I had an in-depth conversation with President Trump on this issue, as well as on ways to further our bilateral relations across diverse areas, such as nuclear-powered submarine fuel, civil enrichment and reprocessing, shipbuilding cooperation, and the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON). Most of all, I found it deeply meaningful to once again hear President Trump express his willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea. The United States and the Republic of Korea, as peacemaker and pacemaker, will maintain even closer communication to help resume the stalled dialogue and bring lasting peace to the Korean Peninsula. I hope today’s meeting will mark an important milestone in further advancing the ROK-US Future-oriented Comprehensive Strategic Alliance. President Trump kindly reminded me of our plan to play golf together as we discussed back in Evian, and I hope we can continue our discussions at the G20 Summit in Miami at the end of this year. The strong journey of the ROK-US alliance will continue with unwavering commitment. Our two countries will maintain even closer coordination to safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and across the Indo-Pacific region.

제81차 유엔총회 고위급주간 참석차 미국 뉴욕을 방문하여 마르코 루비오(Marco Rubio) 미국 국무장관 및 모테기 도시미쓰(茂木 敏充) 일본 외무대신과 9.21.(월) 한미일 외교장관회의를 갖고, 한반도 문제 , 지역·글로벌 정세, 경제안보 및 실질협력 등에 대해 논의하고 공동성명을 채택하였습니다. 이번 한미일 외교장관회의는 지난 7월 NATO 정상회의와 ASEAN 관련 장관회의 계기 개최된 데 이어, 올해 3번째로 열렸습니다. 3국 장관들은 앞으로도 다양한 기회에 최대한 자주 만나 긴밀히 소통하면서 한미일 협력의 지평을 계속 확대해 나가기로 하였습니다. During my visit to New York to attend the High-Level Week of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, I met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio(@SecRubio) and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi(@moteging) on September 21. We discussed issues related to the Korean Peninsula, regional and global developments, economic security, and other substantial cooperation, and adopted a joint statement. Today's meeting was our third ROK-U.S.-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting this year, following meetings on the margins of the NATO Summit and ASEAN-related ministerial meetings in July. We agreed to continue meeting as frequently as possible on various occasions and to maintain close communication while further broadening the scope of trilateral cooperation. 🇰🇷🇺🇲🇯🇵 #유엔총회 #대한민국 #미국 #일본 #한미일 #외교장관회의

저는 오늘(9.21.) 뉴욕에서 미 상원 외교위 진 섀힌 간사와 크리스 쿤스 동아태소위 간사를 만나 한미관계와 한반도 및 지역 정세 등에 대해 의견을 나눴습니다. 양 의원은 굳건한 한미동맹에 대한 미 의회의 초당적 지지를 재확인하였으며, 저는 조선·원자력 등 핵심 분야에서 양국 간 협력이 속도감 있게 추진될 수 있도록 미 의회의 지속적인 관심과 지원을 당부하였습니다. 양 의원들은 한국의 대미투자가 미국 내 일자리 창출과 제조업 역량 강화에 기여하고 있음을 평가하고, 한미 간 상호 윈-윈하는 협력을 더욱 확대해 나가자고 하였습니다. Today(Sept. 21), I met with Senator Jeanne Shaheen(@JeanneShaheen), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senator Chris Coons(@ChrisCoons), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, the Pacific, and International Cybersecurity Policy, in New York to exchange views on the ROK-U.S. relations, developments on the Korean Peninsula, and regional affairs. The two Senators reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance in the U.S. Congress. I also asked for continued attention and support from Congress to further advance cooperation between our two countries in key areas, including shipbuilding and civil nuclear cooperation. The two Senators welcomed that Korean investment in the United States has contributed to job creation for American workers and strengthened U.S. manufacturing capabilities, and called for further efforts to expand mutually beneficial cooperation between Korea and the United States. 🇰🇷🇺🇲 #대한민국 #미국 #US #미국상원의원 #한미동맹 #대한민국외교부

저는 9.17(목) 워싱턴 D.C.에서 빌 해거티 상원의원, 짐 조던 하원 법사위원장, 그레고리 믹스 하원 외무위 간사를 각각 만나 한미동맹과 한반도 문제, 지역 및 국제정세에 대해 폭넓게 의견을 나눴습니다. 급변하는 국제정세 속에서 한미동맹의 중요성이 그 어느 때보다 커지고 있음을 강조하고, 한미 JFS가 차질없이 이행될 수 있도록 미 의회의 적극적인 관심과 지지를 당부했습니다. 또한, 한미동맹을 더욱 공고히 하기 위해 미 의회와도 긴밀히 소통해 나가겠다고 하였습니다. 이에 미 의원들은 미 의회 내 굳건한 한미동맹에 대한 초당적 지지를 재확인하고, 미 의회 차원에서도 한미 JFS 이행을 비롯한 양국 협력의 실질적 성과 도출을 위해 지속 지원하겠다는 뜻을 밝혔습니다. 이번 만남을 통해 한미동맹에 대한 미 의회의 관심과 지지를 다시 한번 확인할 수 있었습니다. 앞으로도 미 의회와 긴밀히 소통하며 한미동맹을 더욱 굳건하게 발전시켜 나가겠습니다. On September 17, I met with Senator Bill Hagerty(@senatorHagerty), Chairman Jim Jordan(@Jim_Jordan)of the House Judiciary Committee, and Representative Gregory Meeks(@RepGregoryMeeks), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, respectively in Washington, D.C. We exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the ROK-U.S. Alliance, the Korean Peninsula, and regional and global affairs. I emphasized that the importance of the ROK-U.S. Alliance has never been greater amid a rapidly changing global landscape, and called for the U.S. Congress’s continued attention and support to ensure the implementation of the Joint Fact Sheet. I also underscored my commitment to maintaining close communication with the U.S. Congress to further strengthen our Alliance. Members of the U.S. Congress reaffirmed strong bipartisan support for our Alliance and also expressed their commitment to achieving tangible progress in bilateral cooperation, including the implementation of the JFS. These meetings reaffirmed the strong interest in and support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance in Congress. I will continue to engage and work closely with the U.S. Congress to further strengthen our Alliance. 🇰🇷🤝🇺🇸 #대한민국 #미국 #UnitedStates

저는 9.18.(금) 워싱턴 D.C.에서 존 햄리 CSIS 명예소장과 빅터 차 한국 석좌를 만나 한미관계와 한반도 문제에 대해 폭넓게 의견을 나눴습니다. 저는 미국 내 한미동맹에 대한 이해와 지지가 더욱 확대될 수 있도록 미국의 대표적인 싱크탱크인 CSIS의 지속적인 역할을 당부하고, 우리 정부의 한반도의 평화·안정 노력에 대한 설명과 함께, 최근 트럼프 대통령의 메시지가 북미 대화의 재개와 한반도 평화로 이어질 수 있기를 기대한다고 하였습니다. 이에 햄리 소장과 차 석좌는 한미 협력의 중요성을 강조하면서, 한반도의 평화를 위해서는 한미가 확고한 확장억제를 유지하는 가운데 북한을 의미 있는 대화로 이끌어내기 위해 긴밀히 공조하는 것이 중요하다는 의견을 밝혔습니다. 이번 면담을 통해 한미동맹의 발전과 한반도 평화를 위해 미국 내 전문가 및 싱크탱크와의 소통이 중요하다는 점을 다시 한번 확인했습니다. 앞으로도 다양한 목소리를 경청하며 한미동맹을 더욱 굳건히 하고 한반도의 평화와 안정을 위해 노력하겠습니다. On September 18, I met with John Hamre, President Emeritus of CSIS, and Victor Cha(@VictorDCha), Korea Chair at CSIS, in Washington, D.C. We exchanged views on a wide range of issues, including the ROK-U.S. Alliance and the Korean Peninsula. I called on CSIS, as a leading think tank in the United States, to continue playing a constructive role in promoting greater understanding and support for the ROK-U.S. Alliance. I also explained our government’s efforts to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and expressed hope that President Trump’s recent message could lead to the resumption of U.S.-DPRK dialogue and eventually contribute to peace on the Korean Peninsula. Dr. Hamre and Korea Chair Cha emphasized the importance of ROK-U.S. cooperation and reiterated that, in pursuit of peace on the Korean Peninsula, the two countries should closely coordinate efforts to bring North Korea to meaningful dialogue, while continuing to strengthen the extended deterrence cooperation. This meeting reaffirmed the importance of engaging with experts and think tanks in the United States to further advance the ROK-U.S. Alliance and promote peace on the Korean Peninsula. I will continue to listen to diverse voices and work to further strengthen the ROK-U.S. Alliance and advance peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. 🇰🇷🤝🇺🇸 #대한민국 #미국 #UnitedStates

9.18.(금) 오전 마르코 루비오(Marco Rubio) 美 국무장관 겸 국가안보보좌관과 회담을 가졌습니다. 우리는 8.24.(월) 통화에 이어 직접 한층 더 깊이 있는 논의를 이어갔습니다. 우리는 작년 11월 발표한 「한미 정상회담 공동설명자료(Joint Fact Sheet, JFS)」의 전 분야에 걸쳐 충실한 이행을 위해 지속 소통해 나가기로 했습니다. 아울러, 우리는 한반도 평화, 안정과 비핵화 목표를 견지하는 가운데 북미대화 포함, 대북정책 관련 긴밀한 공조를 이어나가기로 했습니다. 또한, 호르무즈 해협에서의 자유로운 통항 회복을 위해서도 계속 협의해 나가자고 했습니다. 이번 회담이 한미 양국이 다양한 분야에서 추진 중인 협력이 더욱 원활히 이루어지기 위한 긍정적인 동력이 될 것이라고 생각합니다. On the morning of Friday, September 18, I met with U.S. Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio (@SecRubio). Following our phone call on August 24, we continued our discussions in greater depth in person. We agreed to remain in close communication to ensure the faithful implementation of all elements of the Joint Fact Sheet (JFS) issued last November following the ROK-U.S. Summit. We also agreed to continue close coordination on DPRK policy, including U.S.-DPRK dialogue, while committing to the peace and stability, and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. We decided to continue consultations on restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. I believe this meeting will provide positive momentum for further advancing our ongoing cooperation across a wide range of areas. 🇰🇷🤝🇺🇸 #대한민국 #미국 #UnitedStates #한미 #외교회담 #대한민국외교부

Today, Freedom House CEO @jamiemfly met with Ambassador Kyung-wha Kang of South Korea. They addressed the essential role democracies play in advancing global freedom and the importance of a strong U.S.-ROK relationship in confronting common challenges, such as the threat North Korea poses to its own citizens and neighbors. @RokEmbDC @MOFAkr_eng

Pleased to meet with House Majority Leader @SteveScalise today. We exchanged views on advancing key elements of the ROK-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet, including nuclear energy, nuclear-powered submarines, and shipbuilding. Grateful for his strong support for the ROK-U.S. alliance. Special thanks for making time amidst such a busy congressional schedule!

Ambassador Kang Kyung-wha met with Jamie Fly, CEO of Freedom House, on Sept. 16 to discuss the Freedom in the World 2026 report, human rights and democracy indices, Korea’s progress in human rights protection, and ways to cooperate in advancing freedom in the region. Ambassador Kang commended Freedom House for highlighting Korea's democratic recovery through such reports, while Mr. Fly noted that he views Korea as a key leader in advancing freedom across the region.

A closer look at Hanji: Embracing Color at the Korean Cultural Center Washington, D.C. See how Korea's traditional handmade paper is reimagined as contemporary art by artist Lee Seung-chul. 🎥 #Hanji #KoreanArt #KCCDC

Pleased to meet today with @RepChuck, Chair of the House Energy & Water Appropriations Subcommittee. We exchanged views to advance key elements of the ROK-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet, including nuclear energy, nuclear-powered submarines, and shipbuilding. Grateful for his strong support for our relationship, and I look forward to working together toward a stronger, more prosperous Alliance.

Had a joyful and substantive conversation on a wide range of topics, from key Korea-U.S. priorities such as shipbuilding, nuclear cooperation and investment commitments to the situation in the Middle East - and, of course, Senator Kim’s passion for cooking. Grateful to have him on the Hill as a steadfast champion of 🇰🇷 🇺🇸 alliance. I look forward to continuing to work closely together to further strengthen our alliance.

Reaffirmed our shared commitment to key areas of 🇰🇷🇺🇸 cooperation with @TimSheehyMT, from shipbuilding and nuclear-powered submarines to AI. Korea's shipbuilding expertise and investment can help expand U.S. naval capacity and revitalize American shipbuilding industry.