Lee Jae Myung engages in ‘empathy diplomacy’ at G7 Summit

President Lee Jae Myung, left, wraps his arm around Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as they leave the venue after a group photo session with G7 and invited country leaders during the Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, Tuesday (local time). Yonhap

President Lee Jae Myung showcased a style of diplomacy rooted in personal storytelling and emotional connection at his first appearance on the international stage at the G7 Summit. During the two-day summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, he met with leaders from Brazil, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and the European Union, earning praise for his warm and approachable manner.

Lee’s conversation with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was notable for its emotional resonance. The two leaders have similar backgrounds, having both worked in factories. Lee, who has a disability in his left arm following an accident involving a press machine during his youth, opened the meeting by recounting his experience. Lula responded by sharing how he lost a finger in a metalworks factory at the age of 19.

“Never forget why the people chose you,” he advised Lee, prompting a quiet nod of agreement from the Korean leader. Later, cameras captured the two leaders walking together, with Lee patting Lula on the back. Lula also invited Lee to the COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

During his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lee expressed his love for Indian cinema, declaring himself a fan of Bollywood films.

In response, Modi highlighted the long-standing cultural connections between India and Korea. He referred to the legend of Queen Heo Hwang-ok from Ayodhya, who is said to have traveled to Korea 2,000 years ago to marry King Suro of the Gaya Confederacy, founding the Gimhae Heo clan.

President Lee Jae Myung, fifth from left, holds a summit with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, second from left, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, Tuesday (local time). Yonhap

Lee also asked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum — the first woman to become that country's president — about the secret behind her high approval ratings, which currently stand at almost 80 percent. Sheinbaum said that she regularly meets with citizens and engages in dialogue with opposition parties, a practice in which Lee expressed interest.

During a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the two leaders bonded over their shared background as human rights lawyers. According to presidential aides, the conversation was characterized by mutual respect and a joint commitment to pragmatism and national unity.

Lee extended invitations to several leaders to attend the upcoming APEC summit in Gyeongju later this year. Meanwhile, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres encouraged Lee to speak about Korea's democratic resilience at the U.N. General Assembly in September.