Seoul: The Lee Jae Myung government's "pragmatic" foreign policy has moved forward steadily in the first year of its five-year term despite multiple challenges, navigating U.S. tariff pressures and relations with China and Japan, easing doubts that had emerged when the liberal leader took office. However, the lingering deadlock with North Korea, along with pending bilateral issues with the United States, signals yet another critical test for Lee's leadership in the years ahead.
According to Yonhap News Agency, since taking office on June 4, Lee has championed a pragmatic diplomacy "centered on national interest," vowing to pursue foreign policy in ways that would maximize the interests of the country and its people. Lee put that approach into practice by prioritizing the alliance with the U.S. as the cornerstone of his diplomacy, easing concerns that, like some of his liberal predecessors, he might place less emphasis on ties with Washington and lean closer to China.
Lee emphasized the new diplomatic stance during a think tank session in Washington in August, stating that South Korea can no longer rely solely on the U.S. for security while looking to China for economic partnerships. This shift in policy direction was seen as a stable start with Trump at their first summit in Washington in August, which coincided with Seoul securing a reduction in U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs from 25 percent to 15 percent, in exchange for Seoul pledging a US$350 billion investment in the U.S.
The diplomatic efforts bore fruit as the two countries later reached a final agreement on trade and security during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in late October. Seoul secured U.S. backing for a nuclear-powered submarine project and agreements on uranium enrichment and spent nuclear fuel reprocessing for peaceful purposes, marking a significant shift in its national security strategy.
Lee also worked to maintain positive momentum in relations with Japan, overcoming doubts stemming from his previously hawkish stance toward Tokyo as a lawmaker. Adopting a two-track approach, Lee sought to separate historical and territorial disputes from broader bilateral relations, aiming for deeper cooperation amid a volatile geopolitical landscape. His diplomatic efforts included six bilateral meetings with Japanese counterparts, demonstrating a commitment to improving ties.
Relations with China, South Korea's largest trading partner, were also a focus. Lee's summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC summit marked the "full restoration" of Seoul-Beijing ties, according to National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. This renewal led to China suspending sanctions on U.S.-based affiliates of South Korea's Hanwha Ocean Co. and removing one of its controversial steel structures from the contested maritime zone in the Yellow Sea.
Despite these achievements, significant challenges remain. Implementing the $350 billion investment pledge is critical for maintaining lower U.S. tariff rates and advancing security talks with Washington. Parliamentary delays in carrying out the agreements have affected follow-up discussions on strategic security issues. Additionally, U.S. concerns over perceived discriminatory treatment of Coupang Inc. have impacted ongoing negotiations.
The transfer of wartime operational control from the U.S. is another pressing issue, with differing views on the transition raising potential challenges. Inter-Korean relations also remain stalled, with North Korea recently amending its constitution to remove references to unification with the South. Although Seoul has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Pyongyang, there are no visible signs of North Korea returning to talks.
In a recent outreach effort, Singapore's Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan conveyed Seoul's willingness to engage with North Korea during a visit to the reclusive state. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun remains hopeful that dialogue will eventually resume, contributing to efforts to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula.