The U.S. Embassy in Korea commemorated the 250th anniversary of American independence during an event designed to reflect on the history and values of the ROK-U.S. alliance and present a vision for the future of bilateral relations through cultural exchange.

While the focus was on art, the importance that diplomacy, security, and trade play in maintaining the strategic ROK-U.S. alliance was also on display.

The U.S. Embassy in Korea hosted the "Freedom of Expression: Freedom250 Korea-U.S. Creative Dialogue" event in Seoul on January 28 at the Seongbuk-dong residence of U.S. Chargé d'Affaires James Heller. The first in a year-long campaign commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence, the event was designed to illuminate the shared values of freedom, creativity, and freedom of expression between Korea and the United States through the language of culture.

The venue featured 10 works from first-generation Korean-American artist JE Jung Ja’s "Beoseon" series. Je is particularly well known incorporating a distinctly Korean motif— tiny replicas of traditional pointed Korean socks—into larger pieces inspired by such contemporary American artists as Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol.

The U.S. Embassy introduced Je's work as a symbolic example of Korea-U.S. cultural exchange: "This exhibition commemorates the shared artistic spirit that unites our two countries while emphasizing the role cultural exchange plays in promoting mutual respect, understanding, and a peaceful international community."

In his congratulatory remarks, U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Heller emphasized, "This event marks the beginning of our year-long campaign celebrating America's 250th anniversary of independence. The values of freedom, creativity, and freedom of expression for all individuals are common values that Korea and the United States have pursued together for a long time."

Chargé d'Affaires Heller arrived toward the end of the event due to an engagement at Cheong Wa Dae and asked for understanding. Though no information was provided about what was discussed at the Office of the President, Chargé d'Affaires Heller had recently sent letters to Korean government ministries urging implementation of the Korea-U.S. Joint Fact Sheet, which lists key trade and security agreements that U.S. President Donald Trump and Korean President Lee Jae Myung reached during their October 29, 2025, summit on the sidelines of the larger APEC summit in Gyeongju.

Given that President Trump recently mentioned tariff increases on Korea, there is a possibility that discussions on trade and economic issues took place during the Chargé d'Affaires’ earlier meeting at Cheong Wa Dae.

The U.S. Embassy in Korea plans to hold more than 250 related events this year to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence. The four-session "Korea-U.S. Creative Dialogue" program will be held quarterly and feature works by Korean artists with American connections.

Nicholas Namba, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Korea, stated, "President Trump instructed us to celebrate the 250th anniversary with close allies like Korea. This will be an opportunity to look back on the past 250 years while exploring the next 250 years and the future of Korea-U.S. relations together."

Approximately 40 people attended the event, including U.S. Embassy officials and members of the press.

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(Press Release translated by AI, edited by David Kendall)