By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea, led by AMCHAM Chairman and CEO James Kim, successfully concluded its four-day Washington Doorknock visit, held from July 9 to 12, 2025, the AMCHAM said on June 17.

Led by AMCHAM Chairman & CEO James Kim, the high-level delegation engaged in a robust series of close to 40 meetings with senior U.S. government officials of the Trump administration, members of Congress, and leading policy institutions to advance key economic priorities in the U.S.-Korea partnership.

During the visit, AMCHAM conveyed a strong message of confidence in Korea’s new leadership. In meetings across Washington, AMCHAM highlighted President Lee Jae-myung as a visionary leader, emphasizing his administration’s proactive stance on strengthening the U.S.-Korea partnership and advancing a more globally competitive business environment.

As the first major private-sector engagement with the U.S. under the new administration, the 2025 Doorknock helped set the tone for what both sides see as a pivotal moment for collaboration.

Over the course of the visit, the delegation held strategic discussions with senior officials from the Departments of Treasury, Commerce, State, Energy, and Defense, as well as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), the National Security Council, and the Office of the Vice President.

The delegation also conducted bipartisan congressional outreach, including direct meetings with four U.S. Senators, seven House Representatives, and professional staff from ten Senate and one House office. In addition, AMCHAM engaged in closed-door briefings with three of Washington’s leading think tanks.

With Korea set to host the 2025 APEC Summit in Gyeongju, AMCHAM views this visit as a timely opportunity to build momentum for broader regional cooperation. The delegation will advocate for robust U.S. engagement in the Summit and underscore the importance of regulatory alignment across the Asia-Pacific.

AMCHAM’s annual Doorknock program brings together leaders from Korea’s global business community and U.S. policymakers for direct dialogue on shared economic priorities. The 2025 Washington Doorknock is expected to reinforce the private sector’s role in shaping a forward-looking agenda for trade, innovation, and long-term resilience in the U.S.-Korea economic relationship.