South Korea Pushes for Stronger U.S. Ties and Defense Autonomy

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged U.S. lawmakers to improve visa policies for Korean workers and support the 'Partner with Korea Act'. He also emphasized South Korea's readiness to assume larger defense responsibilities and highlighted the ongoing bilateral investment and industrial cooperation.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called on visiting U.S. lawmakers to address visa policy improvements for Korean workers, following last year's detentions at a Hyundai facility in Georgia. During discussions with U.S. senators, Lee underscored the need for stable residency conditions to ensure successful South Korean investments in the U.S.

The President advocated for the 'Partner with Korea Act', aimed at creating new work visas for Korean professionals. U.S. lawmakers acknowledged the importance of these issues and promised to focus on resolving visa-related challenges.

In defense matters, Lee expressed South Korea's intent to handle its own defense more significantly, including the transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S. The discussions also touched upon geopolitical concerns and Korea's substantial defense spending and investment in U.S. industries.

(With inputs from agencies.)