Chief Wi Sung Rak: "South Korea-US Joint Statement Was Discussed; Significant Consensus Reached"

President Lee Jae Myung and National Security Office Chief Wi Sung Rak held a press briefing on board Air Force One after takeoff from Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan, on the 24th (local time), discussing the upcoming South Korea-US summit in Washington DC. Photo by Yonhap News

Wi Sung Rak, Chief of the National Security Office at the Presidential Office, addressed concerns on August 28 regarding the absence of a joint South Korea-US declaration, stating, "Although we did not manage to produce a document, there was a significant consensus."

In an interview with JTBC that day, Chief Wi revealed that the two countries had discussed a joint statement, adding, "In areas where there was less progress, there were various discussions about how detailed or broad the declaration should be." He explained this was the context behind the outcome.

Chief Wi also remarked, "Not every summit results in a joint declaration," and pointed out, "Even the recent South Korea-Japan summit produced a joint declaration for the first time in 17 years." This served as a rebuttal to opposition parties' criticism labeling the absence of a joint agreement at the South Korea-US summit as "half-hearted diplomacy."

Regarding US President Donald Trump mentioning "purge or revolution" on social media just before the summit, Chief Wi explained, "President Lee provided an explanation about the matter, and President Trump himself said at the meeting that it was likely a misunderstanding." He added, "I do not think it will become a further issue." He further elaborated, "After seeing the post, we proactively conveyed our position in advance and explained our stance through multiple channels."

On the friendly atmosphere between the two leaders, Chief Wi commented, "Frankly, I think the mood was even more relaxed than expected." He emphasized, "There was extensive inter-ministerial coordination beforehand, and many opinions from outside the government were considered. President Lee's ability to effectively respond played a significant role."