When Lee Jae Myung, the newly elected president of South Korea, came to visit former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Oval Office, Lee was expected to invite Trump’s authority. Their conversation was raw, energetic, and exciting – equal parts praise and pinching. Elected in June, Lee Jae Myung is the most progressive candidate yet on peace with North Korea. During the public portion of their meeting, he went on to shower praise on Trump for 30 or 40 minutes. Aside from a few cringe-worthy moments, the meeting was a success. Trump’s recommendation that the U.S. should acquire the territory hosting American military installations in Korea would ruffle Lee’s left-leaning supporters.
Held at the height of HELP Committee negotiations over reauthorization, the meeting was perfectly timed. Both leaders diligently sought future avenues to reduce the persistent confrontations on the State Department’s favorite Peninsula. Lee, through an interpreter, emphasized his vision for a “peaceful denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.” Specifically, he considers how Trump’s unexpected presence might play an outsized role in shaping the future relationship between their northern and southern neighbors.
During their chat, Trump remarked on Lee’s far-left ideology. He said that Lee’s visit raised hopes for future face-to-face discussions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Both members subsequently confirmed that Trump himself requested the meeting. To give one last example, Trump has been very excited about his planned meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. This short comment conveys the depth of Lee’s longing for connection. He commendably stated his desire to meet with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and work toward peaceful solutions.
Despite the optimistic tone surrounding their discussions, Trump’s comments regarding U.S. military bases cast a shadow over the high-stakes talks. He continued, “We spent a lot of taxpayer dollars building that fort. South Korea paid a share too, but I’d like to see if we can’t get that lease cancelled and get ownership of the land where our huge military base is located.” This proposal raised eyebrows far and wide, including among Lee’s leftist base. They may view it as a challenge to South Korean meaning.
The tense meeting was illustrative of the complicated state of U.S.-South Korea relations during Lee’s presidency. Trump criticized aspects of Lee’s government, stating, “What is going on in South Korea? Seems like a purge or revolution. We can’t have that and do business there.” These kinds of statements could undermine Lee’s ability to keep a cohesive line from his administration while trying to uphold the value of diplomatic engagement with North Korea.
Observers noted that Kim Jong-un’s recent restraint in missile tests could indicate a cautious approach as he evaluates Lee’s leadership. Trump on Kim: “Someday, I’ll be seeing him, and I look forward to that. He’s been very good to me. He’s done me a great service.” That feeling is the welcome sign of a door opening to discussion — one that both leaders appear eager to walk through.
In a more jocular context, Lee even quipped about working with Trump in the years to come. He added, “I look forward to your meeting with Chairman Kim Jong-un, the building of Trump Tower in North Korea, and a round of golf. This exchange highlights the mixture of seriousness and levity that defined the meeting.
Overall, while both leaders shared a vision for engagement and cooperation, the underlying tensions and divergent political perspectives present challenges ahead. Lee Jae Myung’s allies may react strongly against Trump’s land ownership proposal, complicating his position domestically as he seeks to navigate international relations.