1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson discusses the White House’s response to the election of Lee Jae-myung as the new president of South Korea. It highlights the U.S. government’s stance on the integrity of the Korean election process and the importance of the U.S.-Korea alliance.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 공정 | gong-jeong | fair, just | The White House said that Korea held a “fair and free election.” |
| 선거 | seon-geo | election | Korea held a “fair and free election,” according to the White House. |
| 동맹 | dong-maeng | alliance | The U.S.-Korea alliance is “ironclad,” said the White House. |
| 견고 | gyeon-go | solid, firm | The U.S.-Korea alliance is “ironclad,” or “firmly established.” |
| 우려 | u-ryeo | concern, worry | The U.S. expressed concern about China’s interference in democracies worldwide. |
| 간섭 | gan-seob | interference | The U.S. is worried about China’s interference in democratic countries. |
| 영향력 | yeong-hyang-ryeok | influence | The U.S. is concerned about China’s growing influence around the world. |
| 반대 | ban-dae | opposition, against | The U.S. opposes China’s interference in democratic countries. |
| 이례적 | i-rye-jeok | unusual, exceptional | It is unusual for the White House to express concerns about China’s influence while also emphasizing the U.S.-Korea alliance. |
| 명복 | myeong-bok | condolences, sympathy | A far-right U.S. political activist wished “condolences” to Korea, saying that communists had taken over the country. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
백악관은 이재명 대통령 당선에 대해 긍정적인 입장을 표명했다. 백악관 관계자는 한국이 자유롭고 공정한 선거를 치렀다고 말했다. 또한 한미 동맹이 철통같이 견고하다고 강조했다.
The White House expressed a positive stance on the election of President Lee Jae-myung. A White House official said that Korea held a free and fair election. They also emphasized that the U.S.-Korea alliance is ironclad.
하지만 백악관은 중국의 전 세계 민주주의 국가들에 대한 간섭과 영향력 행사에 우려를 표했다. 이는 한미 동맹의 중요성을 강조하면서도, 중국의 영향력 확대에 대한 우려를 동시에 드러낸 것으로 볼 수 있다.
However, the White House expressed concern about China’s interference and influence in democratic countries around the world. This can be seen as the U.S. emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Korea alliance, while also voicing concerns about China’s growing influence.
극우 정치 활동가 로라 루머는 소셜미디어에 “한국의 명복을 빈다. 공산주의자들이 한국을 장악했고 오늘 대통령 선거에서 승리했다. 정말 끔찍한 일”이라고 적었다. 이는 이례적인 반응으로, 한국 새 정부 출범에 대한 우려와 부정적 인식을 드러낸 것이다.
Far-right political activist Laura Loomis wrote on social media, “I wish condolences to Korea. Communists have taken over Korea and won today’s presidential election. It’s a really terrible thing.” This was an unusual response, revealing concerns and negative perceptions about the inauguration of Korea’s new government.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What was the White House’s stance on the election of Lee Jae-myung as the new president of South Korea?
- How did the White House characterize the U.S.-Korea alliance?
- What concerns did the White House express regarding China’s influence and interference in democratic countries?
- How did a far-right U.S. political activist respond to Lee Jae-myung’s election?
- Why was the White House’s statement seen as unusual?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The U.S. and South Korea have maintained a close alliance since the Korean War, with the U.S. providing military and economic support to South Korea. The White House’s comments on the Korean election and the U.S.-Korea alliance reflect the continued importance of this relationship, even as the U.S. also expresses concerns about China’s growing influence in the region.