HJR 4-HONORING THE ALASKA-KOREA RELATIONSHIP  CHAIR WRIGHT announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 4, Honoring the Alaska-Korea relationship; and celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the United States and the Republic of Korea, the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, and the 120th anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the United States. 1:02:40 PM REPRESENTATIVE GENEVIEVE MINA, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor, presented HJR. She explained that the joint resolution commemorates many different anniversaries, but the significant focus in 2023 is on the relationship between Korea and Alaska. The proposed joint resolution commemorates not only the seventieth anniversary of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea but also the seventieth anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement which came forth upon the ending of the Korean War. The resolution also acknowledges and celebrates the one hundred and twentieth anniversary of the first Korean immigration to the U.S. She noted that during the Korean War, over 1.8 million American troops fought, including over 2,500 Alaskans, and the resolution honors much of this service between South Korea and the U.S. in terms of military cooperation. REPRESENTATIVE MINA continued to explain that the state of Alaska plays a pivotal role in Korean relations due to the proximity to the Korean peninsula. 1:05:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE MINA noted that the Republic of Korea Air Force participates in exercise RED FLAG-Alaska, which is a joint aerial combat training exercise held by the U.S. Air Force and additionally, last year, Korean Navy ships arrived in Anchorage, Alaska, for the first time as part of the Republic of Korea Navy cruise training. She stressed the "great relationship" between the two countries' militaries. On the economic partnership, South Korea is Alaska's strongest trade partner, and she noted the various items that are traded. Over 7,000 Korean Americans live in Alaska, run small businesses, and are community leaders. There are many churches in Anchorage and many festivals celebrating the Alaska and Korea relationship. 1:08:10 PM CHAIR WRIGHT noted he had been aboard a Republic of Korea naval ship, and being a fellow Seaman, commended them on keeping a "clean ship." He invited questions from the committee. 1:08:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER asked for clarification on if the U.S. and Korea currently stand at an armistice, but not a formal ending to the Korean War. He further commented it is important to maintain good relations in case things should "heat up again." REPRESENTATIVE MINA replied she would like to shift his question over to Seung Man Sang. 1:09:47 PM SEUNG MAN SANG, Consul/Head, Korean Consulate, explained that the Korean War ended with a cease fire agreement in 1953, but a peace treaty is required to formally end the war. The countries are still in the "war situation" in legal terms. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER stated he would like to hear more from Mr. Sang about the value of HJR 4 and what it means to his country. MR. SANG responded that in addition to all the things Representative Mina had already covered here, it is a milestone in looking back at relations, and it would be honorable and symbolic to acknowledge U.S. and Korea's long-standing and special relationship and continue to develop relationships into the future. 1:12:34 PM MR. SANG began his testimony. He explained he would like to speak briefly on the Korea/U.S. and Korea/Alaska relationship. He stressed the importance of remembering the Korean War he referred to as the "forgotten war," and that the Korean War is the starting point for U.S. and Korea alliance. He also noted that Korea has transformed from an aid recipient to an aid giver for the first time in history, and he expressed his belief that this shows that the U.S. and Korea alliance is one of the most successful ones in the world. He explained in 2012 the countries entered into a Free Trade Agreement that contributed considerably to the economies of each country, and a ten-year anniversary was celebrated last year. 1:16:04 PM MR. SANG emphasized the Korean air cargo carriers are still operating at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and he reiterated Korea's participation in RED FLAG-Alaska, as noted by Representative Mina. All things considered, he urged the committee to adopt HJR 4. 1:18:09 PM CHAIR WRIGHT thanked Consul Sang and invited questions from the committee. 1:18:19 PM REPRESENTATIVE GRAY expressed surprise that the first Korean immigrants were in 1903, and questioned the reason why there were none before then. MR. SANG replied that in 1903, about 102 Korean farmers immigrated to Hawaii under a "contract base," and this led up to the immigration to the U.S. REPRESENTATIVE GRAY asked if there are any other states honoring this year's anniversary. MR. SANG replied other states are considering the resolution. 1:21:27 PM REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER recalled his travels to Korea during its National Day when all the sirens went off and civil defense drills were taken, and he realized the risk under which the Republic of Korea exists. He spoke about the benefit and necessity of international treaties that allow countries to exist in peace, and create an umbrella security to which economic relationships can prosper. He asked Mr. Sang where he sees the economic relationship going between Korean and Alaska. MR. SANG replied since 2018 Korea had been largest trading partner with Alaska, and Alaska has huge potential in terms of natural resources. Currently, the items of trade between Korea and Alaska are the marine products, but this can be expanded. He requested a platform be installed to discuss trade cooperation and promotion between Korea and Alaska. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER mentioned the possible importation and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2). MR. SANG expressed keen interest in the carbon industry and felt Representative Saddler's ideas would be "in the right direction." 1:25:21 PM REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER reflected on Representative Saddler's previous comment on the Korean War having no end, but a formal end to the war being agreed upon. He asked Mr. Sang if there was truth to this. MR. SANG replied that as far as he knows, the armistice agreement was signed in 1953 by North Korea, China, and the United States. 1:26:46 PM CHAIR WRIGHT opened public testimony on HJR 4. After ascertaining there was no one who wished to testify, he closed public testimony. CHAIR WRIGHT announced HJR 4 was held over.