U.S. President Donald Trump salutes as he and U.S. Vice President JD Vance listen to the performance of the national anthem during their inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Jan. 20, in Washington, D.C. AFP-Yonhap

Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday extended his congratulations to Donald Trump for his return to the White House, expressing optimism for a stronger bilateral alliance between their two countries.

Trump took office as the United States' 47th president Monday (U.S. time), renewing his vow to "put America first" and tariff foreign countries to enrich Americans while signaling an intent to refrain from military involvement in conflicts overseas.

"President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, congratulations on your inauguration!" Choi said in his account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"The Republic of Korea looks forward to strengthening the alliance during the 47th presidency, as we successfully did during the 45th," he added, referring to South Korea by its official name. (Yonhap)