U.S. South Korean Relations

Twenty Years: 1970-1990 Changing Levels of American Influence on South Korea Amidst Fluctuating Relations President Carter stated in a secret memorandum at the beginning of his administration that “U.S.- Korean relations as determined by Congress and American people are at an all time low.” This statement, coupled with his iron determination to withdraw forces from South Korea, reflected the end of what is often known as the “Golden Age” of Korean-American relations. During …

…has gradually been able to test the limits of their alliance and exercise more power than ever before. An alliance that started as a U.S. security interest has evolved to become a more interdependent one in which both states will reap the benefits. Kim Dae Jung’s parting comment, if followed, will forever bind the U.S. and Korea as allies with the same political vison – “Culture is not necessarily our destiny. Democracy is” (194).