As the second Trump administration prepares to take office, debates are already swirling about the future of U.S.-Korea relations, especially regarding changes in security and trade policies. Against this backdrop, reflecting on the history of this critical alliance offers valuable insights into the road ahead. The recently published “U.S.-Korean Diplomatic Crossroads” by the Korea Economic Institute (KEI) in Washington, D.C., serves as an essential resource for understanding the intricate dynamics of this relationship.
This book, a revised and expanded version of “Memories of Ambassadors (2009),” features first-person accounts from 18 former ambassadors—nine from each country. Their reflections provide a detailed narrative of key turning points in U.S.-Korea relations, while also uncovering behind-the-scenes stories that lend the work an authentic and gripping quality. Comparable in scope to Don Oberdorfer’s “The Two Koreas,” this 568-page volume captures moments of high stakes and diplomatic finesse.
One such pivotal moment unfolded in 1994 when escalating tensions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions brought the Korean Peninsula to the brink of war. A North Korean official famously warned that “Seoul will turn into a sea of fire” during inter-Korean talks. Former U.S. Ambassador to South Korea James Laney (1993–1997) described the situation as “seemingly uncontrollable,” with some U.S. officials advocating for military strikes against North Korea’s nuclear facilities. Diplomatic efforts appeared to be faltering as sanctions discussions and increased military presence further strained relations.
During this precarious time, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter took the extraordinary step of visiting Pyongyang to meet North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. Laney noted that President Bill Clinton initially opposed Carter’s initiative but eventually approved it.
Carter brokered a tentative agreement: North Korea would freeze its nuclear program under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) oversight in exchange for potential U.S. aid and sanctions relief. However, Carter’s announcement on CNN, which seemed to overstep his authority, drew criticism upon his return. Laney recalled that Carter was met with a chilly reception in Washington, further underscoring the complexities of the diplomatic landscape.
The 1994 crisis is just one of the many events chronicled in “U.S.-Korean Diplomatic Crossroads,” which spans 70 years of bilateral diplomacy, from the Syngman Rhee and Harry Truman administrations to Moon Jae-in and Donald Trump. Each chapter focuses on a distinct period, allowing readers to explore critical moments without sifting through individual memoirs. Former Financial Times Seoul Bureau Chief John Burton also contributed by compiling key perspectives and issues from ambassadors unable to participate directly.
A particularly poignant chapter revisits the 2002 tragedy involving two South Korean middle school girls, Shin Hyo-sun and Shim Mi-seon, who were struck and killed by a U.S. military vehicle. Thomas Hubbard, then U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, expressed deep regret over the delayed presidential apology, which he believed could have mitigated escalating anti-American protests. Candlelight vigils, initially peaceful, grew volatile, with flag burnings and threats against Americans intensifying as South Koreans prepared to vote for a new president. Hubbard reflected, “Even a personal apology by the president would have been unlikely to calm the crowds.”
The book also sheds light on more recent events, including the unique challenges faced by Harry Harris, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea from 2018 to 2021. Harris provided diary-like reflections on his tenure during a volatile period marked by President Trump’s criticisms of South Korea’s security contributions and optimism about denuclearization talks with North Korea—an optimism Harris deemed unrealistic. He advocated for stronger sanctions and joint military exercises, positions that sometimes clashed with the South Korean government’s approach.
Harris also faced personal challenges, including racially charged protests targeting his Japanese heritage and criticism of his mustache, which some likened to those of Japanese colonial-era officials. Despite these difficulties, Harris emphasized his respect and affection for South Korea, describing his time there as a highlight of his career.
The contributions of South Korean ambassadors offer a complementary perspective. Ahn Ho-young, who served as ambassador during the transition from Park Geun-hye to Moon Jae-in, recounted the heightened tensions of 2017. Following North Korea’s Hwasong-14 missile test and sixth nuclear test, President Trump’s threats of “fire and fury” alarmed South Korean lawmakers, who sought clarity on whether the U.S. would take military action or deploy tactical nuclear weapons. Ahn reassured them that the U.S. strategy focused on sanctions and diplomacy, as conveyed by officials like then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary James Mattis.
The book also delves into diplomatic missteps and regrets, offering candid accounts of decisions and their aftermath. These include Hubbard’s reflections on the 2002 protests and Harris’s frustrations with the lack of official support during anti-U.S. demonstrations. Such insights reveal the human element behind diplomacy and the challenges of navigating cross-cultural expectations and domestic political pressures.
In the foreword, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton commended the book’s focus on personal narratives, calling it an “invaluable resource” for understanding the U.S.-Korea partnership. She highlighted the ambassadors’ firsthand experiences as a unique lens through which to view this critical relationship, adding that their stories could inspire future generations of diplomats and leaders.
U.S.-Korean Diplomatic Crossroads stands out not only for its historical depth but also for its emphasis on the individuals who shaped U.S.-Korea relations. By weaving together personal anecdotes and critical analyses, the book provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the complexities of diplomacy.
For those deeply interested in Korean Peninsula issues, this book offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of diplomacy during moments of both crisis and cooperation. As the U.S.-Korea alliance continues to evolve, the lessons captured in this collection remain as relevant as ever.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
