- Visits to the Heritage Foundation and the CSIS, emphasizing cooperation in various areas, including economy and security -

- Senator Andy Kim invited to the 75th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation

- Rep. Young Kim honored as one of 2024 Incheon Figures of the Year, encouraged to advance U.S.-ROK relations -

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that Mayor Yoo discussed strategies for strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance and boosting economic cooperation in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21.

His schedule included visits to two leading U.S. think tanks, the Heritage Foundation and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as well as meetings with U.S. senators, representatives, and officials from Delta Air Lines.

In the morning, Mayor Yoo met with U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ), a second-generation Korean American, to present him with an invitation to the 75th Anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation. He also visited the Heritage Foundation and CSIS to share in-depth thoughts on South Korean and Korean Peninsula affairs with relevant experts. 

At the Heritage Foundation, Mayor Yoo was greeted by Steve Yates, Senior Research Fellow at the foundation’s Asian Studies Center, and his colleagues. Mayor Yoo pointed out, “Maintaining a firm alliance between the U.S. and South Korea and charting a new course for bilateral relations proves ever more critical, given the start of President Trump’s second term. I hope this meeting will be an opportunity for us to share our initiatives.” He added, “The domestic political situation in South Korea will be overcome based on its democratic history, and we must respond to challenges through military, diplomatic, and economic cooperation with allied nations.” 

He also stated, “We will seek developmental strategies for Incheon, a city with a population of over 3 million and its airport ranked among the top three global aviation hubs, poised to become Korea’s second-largest economic city and a frontier for security.”

Later, Mayor Yoo met with CSIS Senior Fellow and Korea Chair Ellen Kim as well as CSIS Senior Adviser and Korea Chair Sydney Seiler, engaging in in-depth discussions on matters such as international affairs, diplomacy, and South Korea’s security. 

Seiler remarked that the second Trump administration would continue pursuing policies focused on Korea’s peace and stability. Meanwhile, Kim stated that the Korean War, especially the successful Incheon Landing, is globally recognized as pivotal in securing liberal democracy. During the discussions, Mayor Yoo underscored the importance of Incheon’s active city diplomacy and global economic cooperation, reaffirming the robust economic ties between the U.S. and Korea.

In the afternoon, Mayor Yoo met with U.S. Representative Young Kim (Korean: Choi Young-ok) to share opinions on tasks for future U.S.-ROK cooperation and measures to respond to challenges in and out of Korea. Kim is the first Korean American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress and a third-term representative. 

Mayor Yoo honored her as a 2024 Incheon Figures of the Year, recognizing her significant achievement as a three-term congresswoman. He also invited her to the 75th anniversary of the Incheon Landing Operation in September and thanked her for her ongoing efforts to strengthen U.S.-ROK relations.

Mayor Yoo also met with Delta Air Lines Vice President for International Government Affairs Bob Letteney to discuss potential cooperation for the 75th anniversary event and to promote Incheon as a hub for direct flights. Mayor Yoo stated, “Following the opening of direct flights between Incheon and Utah in June, we hope to expand direct routes to more cities, and we seek Delta’s interest in participating in the development of an aviation complex in Yeongjong, Incheon.” 

Letteney responded, “Incheon is strategically located in a sweet spot to connect all of Asia, and we aim to increase non-stop flights to foster more travel between the U.S. and Korea. If the Mayor of Incheon attends the World Korean Business Convention in Atlanta in April, we actively will support his participation.” 

Through this visit, the city government explored various ways to elevate its global city status and deepen its cooperation with the U.S. and Korea, with plans to continue fostering exchanges and collaboration.

On the evening of Jan. 20, Mayor Yoo attended the Multicultural Coalition US Presidential Inaugural Ball hosted by Pastor Mark Burns, a figure known to play a crucial in the Trump administration, where he met with political and business leaders from around the world. 

Jan. 21 (local time) – Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok took a photograph after discussing international relations and bilateral cooperation with Bruce Klingner and fellow researchers at the Heritage Foundation.

Jan. 21 (local time) – Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok took a photograph after discussing international relations and bilateral cooperation with CSIS Senior Adviser and Korea Chair Sydney Seiler, and CSIS Senior Fellow and Korea Chair Ellen Kim in Washington, D.C.

Jan. 21 (local time) – Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok presented the 2024 Incheon Figure of the Year award to Representative Young Kim in Washington, D.C.

Jan. 21 (local time) – Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok discussed cooperation measures with Delta Air Lines Vice President Bob Letteney in Washington, D.C.