The past year has introduced both expanded opportunities and unprecedented volatilities to the U.S.-South Korea relationship. From nuclear submarine cooperation and a new investment agreement to tariff-related uncertainties and immigration-related tensions, the state of the partnership between the United States and Korea has important implications for regional and global security, economic, and political dynamics. What has changed, what has held, and what does the next year demand of both governments?

Two former U.S. ambassadors to Korea take stock. Ambassadors Philip Goldberg (2022–2025) and Kathleen Stephens (2008–2011) join KEI President and CEO Scott Snyder to assess where the alliance stands as President Donald Trump faces a crucial midterm election and his Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung wraps up his first year in office.