U.S. commander calls civic group a bridge for Korea alliance

June 17 (Asia Today) -- The head of U.S. Forces Korea said Wednesday that civilian organizations have become increasingly important in strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance as the global security environment changes rapidly.

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea, described the Korea America Friendship Society as a bridge that has helped deepen relations between the two countries.

Brunson made the remarks at the Korea America Friendship Night, held at the JW Marriott Hotel Seoul to mark the society's 35th anniversary and honor U.S. service members assigned to South Korea.

"As the global security landscape changes rapidly, the role of civilian organizations working for Korea-U.S. friendship is more important than ever," Brunson said.

"While our military has focused on readiness and deterrence, the society has concentrated on the civilian sphere," he said.

Brunson said the organization's cultural integration programs and community service activities had helped U.S. troops view South Korea as more than the country of an ally.

"It has helped our service members find another home and turn partners in uniform into lifelong friends," he said.

Brunson also recognized recipients of the Korea America Friendship Award.

"Their exemplary work and dedication to their communities demonstrate the commitment of U.S. forces to the Republic of Korea," he said.

Lee Yong-jun, chairman of the friendship society, thanked U.S. troops for their service in defending the Korean Peninsula and emphasized the alliance's importance to regional security.

Lee said North Korea's expanding nuclear capabilities and the military experience and advanced weapons it had reportedly acquired through its involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine presented direct security threats.

"Developments in the Middle East, closer cooperation among North Korea, China and Russia and tensions across the Taiwan Strait are increasing instability surrounding the Korean Peninsula and fundamentally reshaping the international order," Lee said.

"This is a time when the role of the South Korea-U.S. alliance is more essential than ever."

Kang Yun-jin, vice minister of patriots and veterans affairs, said the alliance was built on more than weapons and military operations.

"The strong alliance between our two countries is founded on friendship, trust and shared values," Kang said. "The Republic of Korea will never forget the sacrifices and contributions of U.S. service members stationed here."

James R. Heller, chargé d'affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Seoul, said relations between the countries extended beyond cooperation between their governments.

Heller noted that the United States is commemorating the 250th anniversary of its independence this year.

"We want to celebrate not only the path our two countries have traveled together but also the future of the alliance that we will build together over the next 250 years," Heller said.

"I am confident that the alliance will grow even stronger on the basis of shared values, mutual trust and unwavering friendship."

About 330 people attended the event, including U.S. service members, U.S. Embassy employees and members of the friendship society.

Seven U.S. service members received Korea America Friendship Awards for activities that promoted understanding of local communities, English education, cultural exchanges and disaster relief.

The recipients included 1st Lt. Noah Rodney of U.S. Special Operations Command Korea.

Hong Young-chul, chairman of Kiswire, also received an award for his continued support of Korea-U.S. friendship, becoming the first civilian recipient.

Founded in June 1991, the Korea America Friendship Society is a nonprofit civic organization that promotes the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Its activities include cultural and academic exchanges, policy research, support programs for U.S. troops and projects intended to increase their understanding of South Korea.

The organization holds the friendship night each June, the month in which the Korean War began, to recognize the service of U.S. military personnel stationed in South Korea.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

© Asia Today. Unauthorized reproduction or redistribution prohibited.

Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260618010006197

Copyright 2026 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 17, 2026 at 4:17 PM.