FKI Hosts Appreciation Dinner for 250th Anniversary of U.S. Founding: "From Security to an Economic and Technology Alliance"

[Financial News] South Korea's business community celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States and conveyed its gratitude and respect to the war veterans and the U.S. Forces Korea personnel who devoted themselves to the country's freedom and peace. In particular, the business community reflected on the significance of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, which has lasted for more than 70 years and is evolving beyond security into an economic and technology alliance.
The Federation of Korean Industries (FKI) said it held an appreciation dinner marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States at the FKI Tower Conference Center in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 17th.
About 180 people, including South Korean and U.S. political and business figures and U.S. Forces Korea personnel, attended the event. South Korea was represented by Prime Minister Han Seong-sook and Kang Yunjin, vice minister of Patriots and Veterans Affairs. From the U.S. side, attendees included Michelle Park Steel, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea; General Xavier T. Brunson, commander of the U.S. Forces Korea; and Condoleezza Rice, the 66th U.S. secretary of state.
The business community was represented by FKI chairmen, including Shin Dong-bin, chairman of Lotte; Walter Cho, chairman of Korean Air; Kim Yoon, chairman of Samyang; Jang-Han Lee, chairman of Chong Kun Dang; and Kim Jung-soo, chairwoman of Samyang Roundsquare. Koo Ja-eun, chairman of LS; Choi Yun-beom, chairman of Korea Zinc; Heo Jin-soo, vice chairman of Sangmidang Holdings; and numerous executives from major groups such as Samsung, Hyundai Motor, SK and LG also attended. Six Korean War veterans and four veterans whose families had served in the U.S. Forces Korea across two generations were also present, adding significance to the dinner.
In his welcome remarks, Ryu Jin, chairman of FKI, said, "The U.S.-South Korea alliance is now developing beyond military security into an economic and technology alliance," adding, "I hope the two countries will continue to write an even brighter new history together as the closest of friends and allies."
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Michelle Park Steel said, "The U.S.-South Korea military alliance has developed into one of the strongest and most enduring partnerships in the world," adding, "The military and economic ties between the two countries could bring tangible benefits to both." At a special ceremony, attendees celebrated the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States by lighting K-pop light sticks together. They conveyed their respect and gratitude to the 10 veterans visiting South Korea with a standing ovation, and 98-year-old Donato Ernest Nigro delivered a response speech on behalf of the veterans. FKI member companies, including Lotte, Korean Air, Chong Kun Dang, Youngone, LG and Samyang Roundsquare, sponsored commemorative gifts for the attendees. Samsung Electronics also specially sponsored flagship products for the veterans, further expressing its gratitude.
[email protected] Park So-hyun Reporter