Dan Go: “Very concerned about U.S.-South Korea ties... Trump respects North Korea more than South Korea”

[Financial News] Dan Go (41; Korean name: Go Won-young), a U.S. representative-elect, said on the 11th (local time) that he was very concerned about U.S.-South Korea ties and would do his utmost to restore the alliance.
Go, a Democrat, said at a press conference held that day at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., “I am very concerned about U.S.-South Korea ties,” adding, “The relationship should be ironclad, and the alliance between our two countries is one to be proud of.”
Referring to the incident in which a large number of South Korean workers were arrested in Georgia last year, Go criticized it as “dangerous both for America’s standing as a global leader and for our economic relationship [with South Korea], and the sudden imposition of tariffs on an ally is shameful.”
He stressed, “I will do everything I can to restore U.S.-South Korea ties, which I felt were thriving when I worked in the Biden administration.”
Asked about concerns that implementation of last year’s agreements between the South Korean and U.S. leaders could be delayed because of opposition from U.S. Democrats, who control both the House and Senate, he said, “I want any agreement to serve the best interests of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. I would like to say that the president’s [Trump’s] actions are in the alliance’s best interests, but I haven’t seen that.”


Asked about the South Korean government’s desire to make progress with the United States on cooperation in uranium enrichment and shipbuilding, he replied, “I believe everything the South Korean government does, with an interest in strengthening the alliance, is mutually beneficial. I want to cooperate with an open mind.”
Regarding President Trump’s pursuit of talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Go said, “I don’t believe the president’s intentions are benevolent, nor do I believe they will bring productive results for South Korea and the United States,” and criticized Trump for envying Kim for being a dictator.
He also said Trump appeared to show more envy and respect toward North Korea than toward South Korea, calling it “a cause for concern for everyone living in South Korea and the United States.” He added, “President Trump is trying to learn how to become a dictator, and we must not play along with that game.”
Go said he had been assigned to the House Oversight Committee and wanted to hold President Trump accountable. The committee is a key standing committee through which Congress investigates abuses of power and allegations of corruption in the executive branch.
Go harshly denounced Trump, saying he had no interest in people’s livelihoods and was focused on accumulating wealth. He also strongly criticized Stephen Miller, whom Trump selected as the new White House chief of staff, calling him “someone who wants to end the American Dream.”


Go said, “People are suffering because of a president who doesn’t care about them. I want to work really hard to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Go is the seventh Korean American to serve in the U.S. Congress. He was born to a Lebanese mother and a father, Howard (Ko Kyung-ju), a Harvard University professor who served as an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services under the Obama administration.
The press conference was held that day by Asian American members-elect who won seats in Congress in this midterm election, including Go. It was hosted by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC).


[email protected] Lee Seok-woo, International Affairs Correspondent Reporter