I am now the chief editorial writer of The Korea Times. I also worked as the managing editor of the newspaper for 26 months from April 2018. Before that my stints included Politics Desk editor, Business Desk editor, City Desk editor and Culture Desk editor. As a journalist of The Korea Times, the most influential English newspaper of Korea, I have been committed to promoting 'international justice' beyond the social justice pursued by vernacular papers. My career includes working as a visiting scholar in Britain's Cambridge University from 2006-07.
Why caution must still prevail
By Shim Jae-yun
The latest Korea-U.S. summit unfolded in a largely friendly atmosphere and reaffirmed the solidity of the alliance. President Lee Jae Myung, reflecting on the meetings, stressed that “the results were very good.” His statement was not empty rhetoric but backed by substantive achievements.
There was progress on a number of fronts. Both leaders agreed to explore a new framework for dialogue with North Korea, aiming to break the deadlock in denuclearization talks while promoting stability and peace. On the economic front, they took significant steps to deepen industrial and technological cooperation. Notably, the two sides launched a joint initiative to expand collaboration in shipbuilding by leveraging Korea’s global expertise and U.S. naval modernization for mutual benefit. Additional agreements to promote high-tech exchanges and streamline supply chains underscored a convergence of economic interests.
These outcomes reflect the maturity of the alliance. However, it is too soon to be reassured. This is a process that has seen a solid start, but the devil may yet be in the details. Even the optics hinted at friction: the sparse airport protocol and the use of a hotel rather than Blair House, the presidential guesthouse, left an undeniable impression of discourtesy. Symbolism matters in alliances and should not be dismissed as mere pageantry.
In response to domestic criticism over these perceived slights, the South Korean presidential office clarified that the logistical arrangements were mutually agreed upon. The decision to stay at a private hotel rather than the Blair House was, according to officials, based on “flexibility, security and scheduling considerations.” The government emphasized that the substance of the meetings, not their settings, should be the measure of their success.
Even in matters of substance, though, moments of tension emerged. Trump asking for ownership of the land where U.S. bases are located is wholly untenable when measured against Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) principles and comparable overseas basing arrangements. Such claims do not withstand legal or practical scrutiny.
Pre-summit rhetoric did not help. On social media and in a morning press conference, Donald Trump escalated tensions with the claim that “the Korean government raided a U.S. military base; we need to get to the bottom of it.” He also tossed around incendiary words like “Purge” and “Revolution,” language that distorts Korea’s political reality, lends credence to unfounded election-fraud narratives, and seems to signal an implicit preference for former president Yoon Suk Yeol. Allies deserve respect. Trump should maintain decorum toward counterparts and refrain from conduct that diminishes his own credibility and the respect he seeks.
President Lee’s team counseled patience. Lee himself remained calm, grounded in his read of Trump’s negotiating style as described in “The Art of the Deal.” Trump may table demands that push the limits, but he typically does not force an ultimately unreasonable conclusion. Lee was confident Trump would not do anything to inflict deep damage on the alliance.
Events bore Lee's optimism. Both the formal meetings and the working meal were serious and cooperative, and far more topics were covered than initially planned. The exchange was marked by mutual understanding and encouragement, ran well past its allotted time and delayed subsequent events. The overall outcome was indeed positive.
Even so, vigilance is essential — especially given the unpredictability of Trump’s timing and tactics. At home, this should be a moment for reckoning. Those who sought to lean on Trump to undermine Korea’s Constitution and drive the country toward ruin — including former president Yoon, his remaining followers, far-right forces and the People Power Party that has fed on them— must awaken to reality.
In national interest and security, there is no ruling–opposition divide. Regardless of personal likes or dislikes, rallying behind the Korean president when he goes to meet the leader of our most powerful ally is the people’s rightful duty.
The lesson is clear: Diplomacy requires both confidence and caution. The alliance is strengthened not by coercion or theatrical bluster, but by mutual respect, accurate understanding and meticulous follow-through. This summit was a step in the right direction and thanks to steady leadership, the alliance has not only endured, but evolved.
The author is chief editorial writer of The Korea Times.