Is the South Korean President Pro-China?... Lee: "The South Korea-U.S. Alliance Comes First... I Hope There Is No Misunderstanding"

President Lee Jae Myung Holds Luncheon with Former Chairman Kim Jong In on the 17th
Kim: "Many in the U.S. Misunderstand President Lee as Pro-China... You Should Be Mindful"

President Lee Jae Myung is taking a commemorative photo with former People Power Party Emergency Response Chairman Kim Jong In at the Yongsan Presidential Office building in Seoul on the 17th. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 17th, President Lee Jae Myung addressed the perception of being "pro-China," stating that he would prioritize the South Korea-U.S. alliance above all else in resolving every issue.

Woo Sang Ho, Senior Presidential Secretary for Political Affairs, announced during a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 17th that President Lee made these remarks during a luncheon with former People Power Party Emergency Response Chairman Kim Jong In at noon today.

According to Woo, Kim advised President Lee, "I believe there are quite a few people in the United States who misunderstand you as being pro-China. You should be mindful of this." Regarding tariff negotiations with the United States, Kim suggested, "You should not try to resolve the issue too hastily, but instead approach it with a long-term perspective."

In response, President Lee said, "I will make every effort to address all issues with the South Korea-U.S. alliance as the top priority, and I have done so. I hope the United States does not misunderstand."

Additionally, Kim identified polarization and low birth rates as the biggest challenges facing the Korean economy and emphasized the need for countermeasures, introducing examples of how other countries have overcome similar issues. After attentively listening to Kim's remarks, President Lee asked him to continue offering his support, noting his extensive experience and expertise.

During the briefing, Woo announced that President Lee had appointed Park Yongmaan, former Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as the head of a special envoy delegation to the United States. Han Junho, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party, and Kim Wooyoung, a member of the National Assembly, were also included in the delegation.

Previously, Kim Jong In, Lee Eonju, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party, and Kim Wooyoung had been nominated as members of the special envoy delegation. However, controversy arose after Lee Eonju was seen sending a text message that appeared to oppose Kim Jong In's nomination.

Woo explained that, before President Lee arrived, he had asked Kim Jong In in advance for his understanding regarding the changes to the delegation. Woo added, "Kim Jong In also said he understood."