Realization of Changes in U.S. Policy Towards South Korea

“It is not that the U.S. does not understand South Korea. It is that South Korea does not understand the changes that have been occurring in the U.S.,” former Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jeffrey Jones said, regarding U.S.-Korea relations and Korean people`s anti-American sentiment as well as the North Korean nuclear issue.

The comment was delivered at an economic forum hosted by the Korea Society at the New York City Group Center on April 9. Jones explained how much influence the North Korean nuclear issue has on the South Korean economy.

“Many Koreans assume that North Korea has no intention of attacking South Korea, but the U.S. feels that North Korea still is a threat,” he stated. “South Korea should recognize that the U.S. government has been maintaining a `No Tolerance` policy against any possible external threat since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Washington though knows about the recent situation in Korea and is favorable towards the nation, especially in terms of economic policy.”

“Last year, many American reporters visited Korea for the presidential elections,” he said. “They observed Korean people`s violent behavior towards the U.S. government such as the shredding of the American flag and continuous candle-light vigils. These scenes led them to think negatively about Korea and its assumption that North Korea would not be a threat to South Korea,” Jones added, regarding the view of anti-Korean sentiment in the U.S.

“Given the frequent commercial transactions between the two nations, it is natural that Korea be treated as a visa-exempted country,” Vice President of AMCHAM Tami Overby said at the forum. “This is impossible for now because the U.S. has reduced the number of visa-exempted countries since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.”

Overby said that Koreans would have to wait longer to get visas as the U.S. government has made it more difficult for them.

“Each and every individual has to visit the U.S. consulate for an interview to get a visa.” The AMCHAM vice president added, “Currently, Korea is exempted from a mandatory interview making it possible for some 75 percent of people to get visas without an interview, with the rejection rate only standing at 7 percent. When there was no interview, it only took about three to five days to acquire a visa, but with the new regulations, this will increase from 6 to 9 months. ”

Kwan-Hee Hong konihong@donga.com