The Lee-Trump summit: cordiality, caution and the coming hard choices

The much-anticipated summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., was as carefully choreographed as it was symbolically important. On the surface, the mood appeared cordial and cooperative. The leaders projected unity, avoided public discord and emphasized the enduring strength of the Korea-U.S. alliance. In today’s turbulent world, simply avoiding an open clash was a relief. Yet beneath the handshakes and smiles lies a far more complex reality. The summit may have bought Seoul some time, but time is no substitute for decisions. Hard choices about Korea’s future remain unavoidable. Trade has always been a sensitive issue between Seoul and Washington, and this meeting was no exception. Both leaders acknowledged its importance, but neither ventured into specifics. Instead, the language remained vague — references to “mutual benefit,” “fairness,” and “opportunity” filled the joint statements. On one hand, this ambiguity reduces the risk of confrontation. On the other, it leaves open the possibility that when negWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times