IRIA News

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrived in Washington and met U.S. President Joe Biden, as both leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in multiple domains and extended deterrence including the first deployment of a U.S. nuclear missile submarine to the country in decades.

The White House meeting between President Biden and President Yoon Suk Yeol focused on strengthening the American nuclear umbrella to safeguard against North Korean threats. Biden declared that any nuclear attack by North Korea would lead to the end of the government in Pyongyang, signaling a shift from diplomacy to deterrence.

The U.S. also committed to giving Seoul a central role in strategic planning for the use of nuclear weapons in any potential conflict with North Korea, while South Korea affirmed its stance of not pursuing its nuclear arsenal.

“A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States, its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result in the end of whatever regime were to take such an action,” Biden said during a news conference with Yoon, detailing the Washington Declaration agreement. “It’s about strengthening deterrence in response to the DPRK’s escalatory behavior and the deal is complete consultation” between the allies, Biden said, using the initials for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

The two leaders announced the establishment of a new Nuclear Consultative Group to strengthen extended deterrence, discuss nuclear and strategic planning, and manage the threat to the nonproliferation regime posed by North Korea. The declaration would also improve joint training, information-sharing, and military exercises and includes establishing a U.S.-ROK strategic cybersecurity cooperation framework to combat cyber threats.

U.S. to send nuclear submarines to South Korea

During President Yoon’s visit to Washington, the United States made a significant announcement regarding their commitment to deploy a nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea for the first time since the early 1980s. The primary objective is to serve as a deterrent to North Korean aggression. According to the joint declaration, strategic assets, including the U.S. Navy’s nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), will be regularly deployed to make deterrence more apparent. However, there are no plans to permanently station nuclear weapons on the Korean peninsula.

“The bottom line here is there’s even closer cooperation, closer consultation and, and we’re not going to be stationing nuclear weapons on the peninsula, but we will have visits to ports, visits of nuclear submarines and things like that,” Biden said. He called the agreement a “prudent step” in reinforcing extended deterrence.

During his speech to the joint session of the U.S. Congress, President Yoon urged the strengthening of the U.S.-led security alliance to counter North Korea’s nuclear threats. He praised the security partnership between the U.S. and South Korea and the high-tech trade ties that have created job opportunities in the U.S. After the speech, lawmakers applauded and queued up to get his signature.

Sincerest appreciation to @POTUS and @FLOTUS for all the warm hospitality. Reaffirmed our joint commitments to strengthen our ties as an Alliance in Action Towards the Future. May we go together for the secure and brighter future of our great Alliance and our great people!

— 윤석열 Yoon Suk Yeol (@President_KR) April 27, 2023

Korean-American menu and ‘American Pie’ at state dinner

The White House East Room was adorned with massive cherry blossoms for the state dinner, exclusively arranged for the closest allies of the United States.

First Lady Jill Biden curated an American-inspired menu with a Korean flair, featuring a Maryland crab cake was accompanied by cabbage, kohlrabi, fennel, and cucumber slaw, in a gochujang vinaigrette, and a chilled yellow squash soup. The main course included braised beef short ribs, butterbean grits, sorghum-glazed carrots, and pine nuts. The dessert course featured a deconstructed banana split with lemon bar ice cream, fresh berries, mint gingersnap cookie crumble, and a doenjang caramel.

After the festive dinner, Biden invited Yoon to sing “American Pie”, one of Yoon’s favorites. “We know this is one of your favorite songs, ‘American Pie’” Biden said, adding “We want to hear you sing it”. President Yoon Suk Yeol did not resist and performed Don McLean’s “American Pie”, delighting the White House crowd, including actor Angelina Jolie and the Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. Yoon received a standing ovation for his performance. Biden then presented him with a guitar signed by McLean. “I had no damn idea you could sing,” Biden told his counterpart later.

President Yoon, a man of many talents. pic.twitter.com/HZoBJxQum9

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 27, 2023