- Mayor Yoo meets with ROK Ambassador to U.S. Cho Hyun-dong and the Multicultural Coalition Chairman Dr. Mark Burns -

- Mayor Yoo requests President Trump’s attendance to the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation and discussion on strengthening U.S.-ROK alliance -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that during his visit to the United States, Mayor Yoo officially invited U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to attend the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation, scheduled for September, through diplomatic routes and personal requests.

In his invitation letter, Mayor Yoo emphasized, “The Incheon Landing Operation holds historical significance comparable to the Normandy landings. President Trump’s attendance will strengthen the U.S.-ROK alliance in military, economic, and high-tech sectors, particularly during these turbulent times when global peace is at risk.”

Mayor Yoo met with ROK Ambassador to the U.S. Cho Hyun-dong on Jan. 18 to discuss plans for the event to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. He mentioned that he would invite leaders of the eight participating countries, along with governors, mayors, and veterans, to embellish the scene as a large-scale international event. Mayor Yoo requested the U.S. government’s active cooperation through the embassy to facilitate the invitation process via diplomatic channels.

Mayor Yoo also met with Pastor Mark Burns, a long-time friend of President Trump and a key figure expected to play a significant role in the incoming Trump administration, on Jan. 19. He was asked to deliver an invitation to President Trump and Vice President Vance. 

In addition to leading the official inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, Pastor Burns organized an inauguration celebration at Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C., attended by tens of thousands. He also hosted a ball for roughly 1,700 guests that evening.

Mayor Yoo attended both events as a special guest, invited by Pastor Burns.

Following the Capitol ceremony, President Trump personally visited Capital One Arena around 5 PM to personally thank his supporters.

Mayor Yoo explained the historical importance of the Incheon Landing Operation to Pastor Burns, stating, “The Incheon Landing Operation is significant for overcoming adverse conditions to recapture Seoul and advance into North Korea, securing freedom and peace.” He added, “This year holds particular significance as it marks the final opportunity to commemorate this event on a large scale with surviving veterans, mostly elderly, as it is held on a five-year basis. We plan to invite them and their descendants to Incheon, where the landing occurred, to express gratitude for their sacrifice and dedication.”

After the meeting, Pastor Burns told reporters, “The commemoration of the Incheon Landing Operation is a symbolic event in the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea. 

I will actively work to ensure President Trump, my dear friend, and Vice President Vance can attend, and I will also be there.” 

Mayor Yoo plans to meet with figures, such as U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), the first Korean American U.S. senator, Rep. Young Kim (R-CA), the third Korean American to serve as chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) to discuss ways to strengthen U.S.-ROK relations under the second Trump administration and to extend an invitation to the commemoration.

With the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation approaching, Mayor Yoo is making multi-faceted efforts to elevate the event to a national-level commemoration, including inviting top leaders from participating countries and securing government funding. He stated, “This year marks the last chance to commemorate the landing on a large scale with surviving elderly veterans, and we are committed to honoring it with the national and international recognition it deserves.”

Earlier in the day, Mayor Yoo visited the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C., a symbolic site of the U.S.-ROK alliance, to lay a wreath and pay his respects.

Later that evening, he attended a dinner hosted by the Federation of Korean American Associations, thanking the Korean American community for their support in bringing the Overseas Korean Agency to Incheon.

Mayor Yoo commented, “We have designated this year and next year as the Year of Overseas Korean Exchange and Visits to Incheon, preparing various exchange events such as the World Korean Business Forum and export consultation meetings.” He also emphasized the need for public interest, stating, “We seek your support to help Incheon emerge as a city of diversity and inclusion.”