plowunited.net – Lee Jae-myung has officially taken office as South Korea’s new president following a landslide election win, but he enters without the traditional two-month transition period. Instead, he must immediately fill the power vacuum left by the impeachment of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, who attempted to impose martial law in December. Lee won nearly 50% of the vote, a clear rejection by the public of authoritarian rule. He campaigned on promises to restore democratic norms and unify a deeply divided nation. However, rather than focusing on domestic healing, President Lee must first navigate a growing international crisis shaped by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
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US Tariffs and Trump’s Return Threaten South Korea’s Economic Stability
In April, Trump shocked South Korea by imposing 25% tariffs on all Korean imports, building on earlier tariffs targeting steel and automobile industries. This decision surprised many in Seoul, who expected the U.S.-Korea military alliance and existing free trade agreements to offer protection. Economic advisor Moon Chung-in warned that these tariffs could trigger a serious economic crisis. South Korea’s economy had already begun to shrink due to political instability, and it contracted further in early 2025. With no president in office until now, negotiations with Trump were delayed. Lee must now act swiftly to restore dialogue and prevent further economic damage.
Security Ties with the US Face Uncertainty Under Trump’s Demands
The US currently guarantees South Korea’s defense, including a nuclear umbrella and 28,500 troops stationed in the country. However, Trump has made it clear that he does not separate trade from security. In April, he publicly tied military protection to economic contributions, demanding that South Korea pay more. In his first term, he even threatened to withdraw US forces. Now, there are growing fears that Trump may reprioritize US military strategy in Asia. US defense planners are increasingly focused on China and Taiwan, with some suggesting South Korea must take primary responsibility for its defense. This shift could force Seoul to either pay more or accept reduced American protection.
Lee Seeks Balanced Diplomacy as US Pressures Mount and China Looms
President Lee has long expressed caution regarding South Korea’s alignment with US military goals, especially in a potential China-Taiwan conflict. He advocates for maintaining good relations with both China and the US. Lee and his advisors fear that the US could entrap South Korea in a containment strategy against China, while also risking abandonment if Trump pursues isolationist policies. Former diplomat Evans Revere described the situation as “a perfect storm,” warning that diverging agendas between Trump and Lee could destabilize the region. Lee must now find a diplomatic path that protects South Korea’s autonomy while maintaining essential security ties.
North Korea, Nuclear Talks, and the Risk of a US–Pyongyang Deal
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un closely monitors the shifting dynamics. He now holds more nuclear weapons, stronger leverage, and renewed backing from Russia. Trump has expressed interest in resuming talks with Kim, who may push for recognition as a nuclear state or demand a reduction in US forces in South Korea. Seoul fears Trump could prioritize US security by targeting only long-range missiles and ignoring those threatening the South. Former US negotiator Sydney Seiler believes a deal that includes troop withdrawals is not far-fetched. He urged Lee to quickly establish a working relationship with Trump and ensure South Korea has a voice in future negotiations.
