President reaffirms responsibility not to disappoint Koreans at Trump summit result

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung board the Korean presidential plane at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport in Japan, Sunday, waving as they depart for Washington, D.C. Yonhap

WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Lee Jae Myung said that “maximizing and safeguarding Korea’s national interests” would be the central focus of his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.

He said such a stance is important amid a global order increasingly shaped by self-interest and protectionism.

Lee made these comments during a meeting with reporters on the presidential plane while traveling from Japan to Washington for bilateral talks slated for Monday afternoon (local time). The president and the Korean delegation are set to finalize the tariff deal reached on July 31, which stated the U.S. would impose a 15 percent blanket tariff on Korean goods in exchange for Korea’s commitment of $350 billion in investments and $100 billion in U.S. energy purchases.

“We are in a time when nations are pursuing their own interests more aggressively than before. That means we, too, must work several times harder to protect our national interests,” Lee said. “It is objectively true that Korea’s diplomatic position has become more difficult compared to the past, but my duty is to overcome those challenges and create better outcomes for our country.”

Lee confirmed that working-level discussions with U.S. officials on key issues, including security, defense spending and tariff negotiations, are ongoing, and that Seoul is well-prepared for the summit.

“What is clear is that Korea is a sovereign nation, and I have a responsibility to ensure that our people are not disappointed, even if we cannot meet all of their expectations,” the president emphasized.

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference held inside the presidential jet while en route from Japan to the U.S., Sunday (local time). Yonhap

The president noted he had studied Trump’s book “The Art of the Deal” to better understand his negotiation style. He also revealed that much of his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba focused on U.S.-related matters, and expressed gratitude for Ishiba’s advice.

Lee explained that his decision to stop in Tokyo before traveling to Washington was intended to reinforce trilateral cooperation with the U.S. and Japan, thereby strengthening Korea’s negotiating position.

“In the past, Korean presidents always went to the U.S. first. But we don’t need to be bound by old conventions,” the president said. “Sometimes, stopping in Japan first is more effective and efficient for Korea’s interests.”

On foreign policy, Lee reiterated his pragmatic, “two-track” approach — addressing unresolved historical disputes with Japan while still pursuing cooperation in trade, security and climate issues. He stressed that diplomatic competition, as seen in U.S.-China relations, does not preclude collaboration.

“The two-track approach means addressing problems that require resolution while simultaneously pursuing issues that demand a forward-looking strategy. The U.S.-China relationship provides a clear example: The United States both checks and competes with China, and even confronts it at times, yet cooperates where necessary,” Lee said.

Emphasizing that nations must still cooperate even amid confrontation, Lee also addressed shortcomings in his talks with Japan over historical issues, saying: “Just because historical issues remain unresolved does not mean we should abandon cooperation on economic matters, security, technological collaboration, climate and social challenges or people-to-people exchanges.”

President Lee Jae Myung speaks during a press conference held inside the presidential jet en route from Japan to the U.S., Sunday (local time). Yonhap

Regarding North Korea’s denuclearization issue, Lee reaffirmed South Korea’s long-standing bipartisan commitment to a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula, while acknowledging the process must be phased.

“Complete denuclearization is the ultimate goal, but we must first push for a freeze, a halt, and gradual reduction,” he said, echoing commitments made in past meetings between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. “Peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula are essential for Asia and the world.”

Regarding recent criticism by Kim Yo-jong, sister of the North Korean leader, Lee said there is no need to dwell on her words. While taking their position into account, he underscored that “we must rely on strong national defense and deterrence, engage in dialogue and communication, minimize the threat of military conflict and maximize peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,” which he said serves South Korea’s national interests.

President Lee Jae Myung and first lady Kim Hea Kyung disembark from the presidential plane, after arriving at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., Sunday (local time). Yonhap

Meanwhile, on the domestic front, Lee distinguished his role as president from partisan disputes, saying he intends to maintain open communication with opposition leaders.

“The president represents the people, not just the ruling party,” he said. “Even if it is difficult, dialogue with the opposition is essential.”

Lee will hold a summit talk with U.S. President Trump Monday (local time), followed by a working luncheon at the White House. The summit with Trump is expected to cover a wide range of security, economic and alliance-related issues.