OPINION:
SEOUL — The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Korea-U.S. Alliance Foundation (KUSAF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on September 17 to establish an innovative employment platform for U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) veterans, in what both organizations described as a landmark step in reinforcing the Korea-U.S. alliance.
The signing ceremony, held at KCCI’s headquarters in central Seoul, brought together prominent leaders including KCCI Executive Vice Chair Park Il-jun; KUSAF President, General (Ret.) Leem Ho-young; General (Ret.) Robert Abrams, president of the Korea Defense Veterans Association and former commander of United States Forces Korea and the ROK-U.S. Combined Forces Command; Vice President of KDVA, LTG (Ret.) Mike Bills, former Eighth U.S. Army Commander; and Director of KDVA, Lt Gen (Ret.) Thomas Bergeson, former Seventh U.S. Air Force Commander.
Platform Roles and Benefits
Under the agreement, KCCI and KUSAF will jointly develop and operate an online job-matching platform to connect 2,432 Korean companies active in the United States with U.S. veterans completing or nearing the end of their service in Korea.
KCCI will oversee the construction and management of the platform, while also mobilizing its corporate network to promote participation. KUSAF, for its part, will focus on guiding and engaging veterans, ensuring a seamless transition to meaningful civilian employment.
The initiative is designed not only to broaden post-service career opportunities for veterans, but also to provide Korean companies with disciplined, culturally fluent, and mission-driven employees. Participating firms may additionally benefit from U.S. federal incentives such as the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which offers up to $9,600 per hire.
Voices from the Ceremony
“This program represents a genuine win-win,” said KCCI Executive Vice Chair Park. “Veterans gain access to quality careers, while Korean companies secure employees who are already familiar with Korean culture and values.”
KUSAF President Leem underscored the symbolic weight of the initiative: “This agreement is a meaningful gesture of recognition for the 28,500 U.S. troops currently stationed in Korea. It not only supports their future but also enhances morale, making service in Korea more attractive.”
General Abrams, reflecting on his dual perspective as a former commander and veteran, remarked: “This initiative is a testament to the enduring strength of our alliance. Assisting veterans as they transition to civilian life is one of the most tangible ways to honor their service and to fortify the bond between our two nations.”
Vice President MG (Ret.) Shin also highlighted the strong reception among veterans: “This platform is already highly anticipated by the USFK veteran community, who are eager for its launch and the opportunities it will provide.”
Strengthening the Alliance Beyond Security
Analysts view this agreement as expanding the scope of the alliance into new, people-centered domains. By opening pathways for veterans’ employment and encouraging sustained corporate engagement, the initiative is expected to deepen economic cooperation, foster goodwill, and strengthen people-to-people ties between Korea and the United States.
The platform is scheduled to go live in October, with KCCI and KUSAF pledging continued collaboration to broaden its reach and maximize its impact.
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