By Diplomacy Journal Kayla Lee

Acting Defense Minister Kim Sun-ho met with U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Philip Goldberg on Jan. 2, 2025. Goldberg is scheduled to leave his post on Jan. 20 to coincide with the inauguration of the second administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Kim met with Goldberg at the Ministry of National Defense in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, the ministry said. Goldberg was appointed U.S. ambassador to South Korea in July 2022. 

Kim thanked Goldberg for his contributions to the development of the U.S.-ROK alliance, including the Washington Declaration in April 2023 and the Camp David Agreement in August 2023.

Ambassador Goldberg expressed the United States' unwavering support for the alliance. The two sides reaffirmed that the U.S.-ROK alliance remains strong despite the changing security environment and political situation, the ministry said.

Kim asked for Goldberg's continued support as he continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the U.S.-ROK alliance.

During a meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul on Dec. 14, Goldberg emphasized the unwavering commitment of the U.S.-ROK alliance in the face of political developments in South Korea, including the passage of an impeachment bill against President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Dec. 23, he also met with the leaders of the ruling People Power Party and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, respectively, and reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-ROK alliance in the face of political unrest in South Korea following the martial law.