South Korea’s new ambassador to the United States, Kang Kyung-wha, vowed Monday to strengthen the Seoul-Washington alliance, calling it the key foundation of the “pragmatic diplomacy” pursued by President Lee Jae-myung’s administration.

At her inauguration ceremony at the Korean Embassy in Washington, Kang emphasized that despite growing global challenges, Seoul would respond with flexible diplomacy grounded in the country’s national interests and that the Korea-U.S. alliance would remain central to this strategy.

She described the alliance as having evolved over more than 70 years beyond a purely military pact, now resting on three pillars: security, economy, and advanced technology. She said she plans to deepen this comprehensive strategic cooperation.

Kang also committed to enhancing dialogue and collaboration not only with the U.S. administration but also with Congress, academia, the media, and the Korean American community.

Earlier that day, Kang presented a copy of her credentials to Monica Crowley, the U.S. Chief of Protocol, formally beginning her ambassadorial duties.