South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung deftly navigates domestic and diplomatic minefields (East Asia Forum)

Since taking office amid domestic upheaval and US trade pressure, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung has shown notable pragmatism and diplomatic skill in navigating early crises at home and abroad. He has pursued a careful hedge between the United States and China, worked to stabilise relations with Japan, and a balanced stance on North Korea. These early moves position South Korea as a potential stabilising force in a region surrounded by deepening great-power rivalry and domestic political polarisation.

South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung deftly navigates domestic and diplomatic minefields | East Asia Forum