Andy Kim, the first Korean-American U.S. Senator (43, Democrat, New Jersey), stated, "The current U.S. shipbuilding capacity is lacking, but it can be quickly supplemented through cooperation with Korea," adding, "Efforts for regulatory reform and investment in the U.S. shipbuilding industry will accelerate depending on the Korea-U.S. summit outcomes."

During a meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 20th, Senator Kim expressed his intention to strongly support the Trump administration's efforts to strengthen the shipbuilding industry through legislation and resource support. He remarked, "This summit will be an important opportunity to reaffirm Korea-U.S. relations and economic security," and predicted that "the summit will concretize cooperation goals, leading to the full-scale promotion of legislation and policy based on these goals." Senator Kim, along with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, visited Korea on the 18th to explore congressional-level cooperation measures in the shipbuilding industry between the two countries ahead of the Korea-U.S. summit.

Senator Kim agreed to actively consider the requests for regulatory relaxation raised during a shipbuilding industry meeting the previous day (19th). When asked about "which regulations need to be revised," he emphasized, "The priority is to clarify the number of ships needed by the U.S. and the specific areas of need," adding, "Regarding investment, it is crucial to clearly examine Korea's investment plans, their roles, strategies, and obstacles."

Amid criticisms of slow legislative support for the U.S. shipbuilding industry, Senator Kim stated, "Progress is being made from areas where it is possible," and added, "Once the summit results and investment plans are confirmed, the pace can be adjusted. Congress will immediately review necessary actions following the summit outcomes."

Regarding China's opposition to the Korea-U.S. shipbuilding cooperation 'Make America Shipbuilding Great Again (MASGA)' project, Senator Kim remarked, "China's warnings rather confirm the importance of Korea-U.S. cooperation," and emphasized, "Measures for our security and economic security will be strongly pursued without China's approval." He also expressed strong support for trilateral cooperation between Korea, the U.S., and Japan, stating, "President Lee Jae-myung's decision to visit Japan for a summit before visiting the U.S. is very strategic and excellent." He added, "Trilateral cooperation will play a key role in regional security and economic cooperation," and announced plans to actively strengthen cooperation in the East Asia region, including promoting a trilateral summit and enhancing congressional cooperation processes.

Regarding U.S. Forces Korea, he stressed, "Any reduction or change in the size of U.S. troops stationed in Korea requires close consultation and transparent communication with Korea." He continued, "There is strong bipartisan support for the presence of U.S. troops on the Korean Peninsula," and emphasized, "We must provide extended deterrence agreed upon 70 years ago and ensure the security of the Korean Peninsula. This was strongly communicated to the Trump administration."

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