Presidential candidates differ on N. Korea, foreign policy

Graphic by Cho Sang-won

Presidential candidates from South Korea’s two major parties say they want peace on the Korean Peninsula and a stronger global role for their country. However, they differ sharply on how to achieve these goals.

This significant divides in foreign and inter-Korean policy underscore the high stakes for South Korea, positioned at a critical geopolitical crossroads. The incoming president’s decisions could redefine Seoul’s alliances, economic trajectory and the delicate power balance in Northeast Asia.

With less than a week remaining until the June 3 presidential election, Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party and Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party of Korea present starkly contrasting approaches to crucial foreign policy issues — most notably in their strategies for dealing with North Korea’s authoritarian regime.

Kim’s 219-page manifesto, unveiled Monday, ties his North Korea policy closely to his U.S. strategy and defense plans, with a strong emphasis on bolstering deterrence.

As president, Kim said he would pursue the dedication of some U.S. nuclear weapons in Guam to deter potential North Korean attacks. He also aims to improve conditions for U.S. forces in South Korea and, if needed, increase support through a new cost-sharing agreement amid Washington’s renewed push for one.

He also plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines and a laser weapon system to strengthen missile defense and boost South Korea’s counterattack capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

Promoting the human rights of North Koreans, including those who have fled the regime, will also remain a core principle of South Korea’s approach to the North under his leadership, Kim added.

Lee has not yet disclosed a manifesto containing detailed information on inter-Korean relations and foreign policy. But in a social media post on Monday, he made it clear that he intends to shift from the current nonconciliatory approach toward North Korea.

Lee said he would pursue the restoration of communication between Seoul and Pyongyang, including a military hotline that the North stopped responding to in 2023.

He also said he would seek to hold an inter-Korean summit, although such a meeting seems unlikely in the near future given the years of no exchanges in any form.

Lee said he would pursue these goals while working closely with the U.S. and improving relations with China, which he described as a significant trading partner that can also “influence security on the Korean Peninsula.”

On defense, Lee said he would strengthen deterrence by strengthening South Korea’s three-axis deterrence structure ― consisting of preemptive strikes upon clear indicators of attack, missile interception and counterattacks. He also said he would apply artificial intelligence to modernize South Korea’s military.

Meanwhile, Kim, in his manifesto, mentioned several nations as South Korea’s key partners. For example, he noted that Australia is important for South Korea’s defense, while India, Indonesia, Vietnam and other ASEAN members are key to its economy.

Additionally, he said South Korea needs to reset its relations with Russia and participate in Ukraine’s potential reconstruction projects, amid ceasefire talks between the two nations.

Lee’s stance on South Korea’s future relations with Russia and Ukraine doesn't differ much. However, he said he would seek to expand South Korea’s international partnerships more broadly, including with nontraditional partners such as members of BRICS — a group comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and others around the world.

Lee said he would fully leverage South Korea’s soft power, especially its pop culture, to achieve this goal and pledged to ensure the successful hosting of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, this November.