Dear Mr. Trump, don't (7)

By Jane Han

Finally, after yet another long week here at home dogged with political battles and a fresh terror attack in New York, you'll be making your grand voyage to Asia.

We know it, you know it ― it's not going to be any easier there.

You'll be leaving your comfort zone to embark on the longest and most consequential trip of your short presidency, and there's a lot at stake. The pressure is on.

You're certainly getting drowned with all kinds of advice ― some unsolicited, some not ― from all over the world, and I'd like to add to that, but hopefully with a more encouraging perspective.

At least I'm going to try.

As a Korean living in the U.S., I want to take this opportunity to speak for what many of us Koreans here have on our minds before we send you off to our motherland.

First, we'd like to instill in you a sense of optimism.

We, including you, know that this 12 ― gulp ― day trip can end up being a complete disaster, but there is also optimism that it can be a breakthrough.

You've seen the news. There is a lot of uncertainty and hostility toward you in Korea.

The Korean police have vowed to make wide-ranging efforts to block anti-Trump rallies, but you'll inevitably see a strong sense of disapproval on display.

But you can make this visit an opportunity to dispel some of this animosity.

How?

Show and prove strong alliance with South Korea and President Moon Jae-in.

Here's what the South Korean people see now: The U.S. and Japan are far more united against North Korea, there is still no U.S. ambassador to Seoul ever since you took office 10 months ago, and you keep throwing threats that you have all the intentions to start a war with Pyongyang as if the lives of 51 million South Koreans don't mean a thing.

It is critical to present commitment and alliance not only for the sake of reaffirming Seoul and Washington's relationship, but to prove to Kim Jong-un that there is no room for divide.

Put the ``Korea passing'' paranoia to rest.

Second, don't bring up the free trade deal.

We all know how much you don't like the agreement. Yes, the agreement that the two countries have already agreed upon, a done deal.

But let's just not get into how ``unfair'' and ``only beneficial to South Korea'' it is. It's only going to bring down the mood of the trip fast.

One more thing while on the topic of unfairness.

While you're visiting Camp Humphreys, you may get tempted to get into the burden-sharing aspect of defense costs. Also not a good time to bring up that kind of sensitive issue.

Lastly, but equally importantly, don't mess up on etiquette and protocol.

As with many other Asian nations, Korea is very big on upholding manners.

Back in 2013, Bill Gates made a high-profile trip to South Korea, but the single biggest thing many South Koreans remember from that trip is that the business icon was rude to the then-President Park Geun-hye by shaking her hand with the other hand in his pocket.

Don't get names and titles mixed up, and don't question the food you're served.

As soon as you walk down Air Force One, no doubt you'll get VIP treatment.

You'll be making the first state visit to Korea by an American president in 25 years. That's understandably a big deal for the Korean government.

People often say there's two Donald Trumps ― one that is rude and blatant, the other that is surprisingly humble and polite.

So which one of you will you bring to our country?

Jane Han, based in Dallas, Texas, is a freelance correspondent for The Korea Times. She can be reached at jhan@ktimes.com.