South Korea’s Lee seeks talks with North, strengthen US/Japan ties

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    In Seoul, South Korea’s newly instituted President, Lee Jae-myung, pledged on Wednesday to rejuvenate stalled dialogues with North Korea and enhance the trilateral alliance with the United States and Japan. This announcement comes as he sets forth fundamental policy aims for his singular, five-year term. Riding the wave from a background of childhood hardship to securing a status as South Korea’s preeminent liberal political figure, Lee rose to power promising to tackle inequality and corruption. His term commenced earlier that day following a victory in an impromptu election necessitated by the April ousting of then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, after his ill-fated martial law declaration during the previous year.

    During his inaugural address at the National Assembly, President Lee emphasized that his administration will counteract North Korean nuclear threats and military provocations through “strong deterrence” rooted in the South Korea-U.S. military alliance. Nonetheless, he expressed intentions to “open a communication channel with North Korea” aiming to cultivate peace on the Korean Peninsula via dialogue and cooperation. Committed to pursuing pragmatic diplomacy with adjacent nations, Lee emphasized boosting the three-way collaboration among Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo.

    “Through pragmatic diplomacy that hinges on national interests, we aspire to transform the impending crisis heralded by significant shifts in global economic and security landscapes into opportunities to maximize our national interests,” Lee asserted. However, it remains uncertain whether Lee’s election will precipitate considerable, immediate shifts in South Korea’s foreign policy landscape. Previously criticized for perceived biases towards China and North Korea while overlooking the U.S. and Japan, Lee has recently reaffirmed the South’s alliance with the U.S. as central to its foreign policy framework, avoiding controversial statements that may cast doubt on his stance regarding the U.S. and Japan.

    “We shall see if the weight of office will influence Lee Jae-myung to govern from the center—particularly concerning national security matters and the alliance with the United States,” stated an expert from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “Predicting with absolute certainty how he will handle relations with U.S., North Korea, Japan, and China is challenging since he’s shifted his position frequently,” noted Duyeon Kim, a senior analyst at the Center for a New American Security in Washington. “Expectations for tensions are plausible if his governance veers from Washington’s approach towards China and Japan.”

    The most formidable external challenges for Lee pertain to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and North Korea’s deepening military affiliations with Russia. However, experts anticipate that any president would have limited leverage in securing extensive progress on these issues favoring South Korea. Both the U.S. and Japan have extended congratulations on Lee’s election, affirming their dedication to amplifying trilateral cooperation.

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba expressed eagerness for summit discussions with Lee “at the earliest opportunity,” aiming to further nurture bilateral relations, spanning both public and commercial aspects. Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department reiterated Seoul and Washington’s “ironclad commitment” to their alliance. Chinese President Xi Jinping also extended congratulations, articulating China’s readiness to partner with Seoul to advance cooperative relations for the betterment of both nations’ peoples.

    It remains ambiguous how North Korea will respond to Lee’s address, having eschewed dialogue with South Korea and the U.S. since 2019. In recent years, North Korea has channeled weapons and manpower in support of Russia’s conflict with Ukraine—raising suspicions among South Korea, the U.S., and allies that Russia might reciprocate by providing advanced technologies aiding North Korea’s nuclear agenda. Meanwhile, Russia’s Tass news agency reported a visit by high-ranking Russian security official Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang to engage with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un—a testament to the burgeoning exchanges between the nations.

    President Lee has declared support for Trump’s attempts to rekindle nuclear diplomacy with Kim Jong Un as part of endeavors to involve North Korea. Yet, North Korea has not publicly reacted to Trump’s initiatives. “Lee and Trump are personally inclined to reopen dialogue with Kim Jong Un. However, North Korea lacks any incentive to dialogue with Washington or Seoul,” emphasized Duyeon Kim. “With Beijing and Moscow providing political and economic backing, Pyongyang can bide its time perfecting nuclear capabilities.”

    Subsequent to his address, Lee nominated former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok, known for his dovish stance favoring rapprochement with North Korea, as his spy chief. Observers interpret the nomination as indicative of Lee Jae-myung’s aspirations to resume dialogue, noting the National Intelligence Service’s historical role in facilitating North Korea connections.

    Additionally, Lee appointed his crucial political ally and seasoned legislator Kim Min-seok as prime minister, South Korea’s second highest government position. Other top Cabinet appointments by Lee are anticipated in the coming days.

    South Korea continues to grapple with a pronounced political divide exacerbated by the fall-out from Yoon’s martial law debacle. Lee calls for national unity to tackle these divisions, affirming his commitment to “answer the people’s solemn call to let hope bloom over deep and painful wounds.” However, he still vowed a comprehensive investigation into the events surrounding Yoon’s martial law enactment, labeling it as a “rebellion that seized people’s sovereignty with arms.”

    Lee highlighted revitalizing a sluggish domestic economy as his principal priority. His administration plans to immediately establish an emergency task force to confront recession threats head-on, promising increased government spending to stimulate economic activity. This follows the central bank’s recent decision to lower its key interest rate and significantly downgrade its 2025 growth forecast to 0.8%, addressing the combined impacts of Trump’s tariffs and weakened domestic demand.

    Reiterating his campaign promises, Lee emphasized tackling inequality, asserting, “The polarization spurred by inequality is stymieing further growth.” His term kick-started without the usual two-month transition period after the National Election Commission certified his election triumph. Before his inauguration, Lee paid homage to former Korean leaders, patriots, and war veterans interred at Seoul’s national cemetery and conversed with Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Kim Myung-soo concerning military preparedness against potential North Korean provocations.