Dinner with Opinion Leaders in Diplomacy and Security
President Lee Jaemyung, who is visiting the United States to attend the United Nations General Assembly, hosted a dinner on the 23rd (local time) in New York, inviting leaders of local think tanks, journalists, and other opinion leaders in the field of diplomacy and security. According to the presidential office, they exchanged views on the South Korea-United States alliance, trade negotiation trends, issues on the Korean Peninsula, and the international situation.
At the dinner held at a hotel in New York, President Lee explained the reasons why South Korea cannot unconditionally accept the U.S. demands regarding the stalled South Korea-U.S. tariff negotiations, stating, "I hope that both countries can find a reasonable solution." On the U.S. side, six people attended: Thomas Byrne, President of the Korea Society; Kang Kyungwha, President of the Asia Society; Susan Elliott, President of the National Committee on American Foreign Policy; Kathleen Stephens, Chair of the Korea Society; Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group; and Daniel Kurtz-Phelan, Editor-in-Chief of Foreign Affairs.
The U.S. participants responded by saying that the close relationship formed between the two leaders through a successful summit would greatly contribute to resolving current issues between South Korea and the United States. They pledged to provide all necessary support from their respective positions. In particular, they noted that South Korea's high-level investments in the U.S. have significantly contributed to local job creation, and that the American public strongly supports the South Korea-U.S. alliance and South Korea itself. They also expressed hope that South Korea would further expand grassroots cooperation with U.S. state governments, Congress, and civil society.
President Lee also introduced the South Korean government's plans and efforts for easing tensions, restoring dialogue, and achieving denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. He specifically pointed out that Korea is the only divided country in the world and emphasized, "Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are key elements in establishing a global peace structure." He added, "Together with President Donald Trump of the United States, who possesses both the capability and will to achieve this, we will pursue a pragmatic approach through cooperation."
The dinner participants noted that President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to engagement with North Korea during the South Korea-U.S. summit and expressed hope that, under the leadership of both countries' presidents, the international community's efforts to ease tensions and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula would bear fruit.
Meanwhile, President Lee and the participants also exchanged views on the post-Cold War international order. The attendees emphasized that as uncertainty persists and the international order weakens, solidarity among like-minded countries becomes increasingly important. They stressed that South Korea's active role and contributions, such as assuming the presidency of the United Nations Security Council and hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, are more crucial than ever.
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