Post by : Minna

South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae Myung visited the White House for his first official meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. It was an important moment—a chance for Lee to show that he could handle big diplomatic moments with poise and wisdom.

A Rocky Start

Just before the meeting began, President Trump had posted a sharp comment on social media. He wondered whether something troubling—a “Purge or Revolution”—was happening in South Korea. This made Lee’s advisers nervous; they feared the meeting could go badly, or even turn confrontational. Some compared it to a tense U.S.-Ukraine encounter that had ended on a sour note. Fortunately, that did not happen.

Charming the U.S. President

When the two leaders met, Lee took a warm and courteous tone. He praised the Oval Office, saying it looked bright and beautiful and symbolized America’s future. He complimented Trump’s sense of style and spoke of peace. In a playful, unexpected gesture, Lee even suggested building a “Trump Tower” in North Korea and invited Trump to play golf there, calling Trump a peacemaker for the world.

Lee said he read “The Art of the Deal,” Trump’s book, to understand how to speak with him. That knowledge helped Lee steer the meeting smoothly and avoid any public argument.

Building Trust, Avoiding Tension

Both leaders spoke with respect, easing the tension. Trump said Lee is “a great leader” and offered full support for him and his country. Lee, for his part, felt relieved and said the outcome far exceeded his expectations. He acknowledged the initial social media remark had worried him—but in person, things went far better.

What They Agreed On—and What Was Left Unsettled

Some important agreements and plans were discussed:

• South Korea has pledged to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in U.S. industries, including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, shipbuilding, and energy.

• South Korean companies, including Korean Air, ordered many Boeing jets. Other firms planned nuclear and shipbuilding projects with American companies.

• Both leaders agreed to boost core cooperation in trade, defense, and security. Trump showed interest in acting as a peacemaker for renewed talks with North Korea.

Still, some big issues were left for future talks:

• Changes to U.S. shipbuilding rules and laws were not resolved.

• Tariff details and defense spending needed more clarity.

• Plans such as a $350 billion investment fund and nuclear energy cooperation were not finalized.

Why This Moment Matters

This meeting marked President Lee’s first major diplomatic challenge—and he passed it. He defused tension, built trust, and secured a respectful relationship with a powerful world leader—all without confrontation. It’s a lesson in tact and preparation.

Lee Jae Myung, Donald Trump, Diplomatic meeting, U.S.–South Korea relations