SEOUL — South Korean President Lee Jae Myung praised the strength of Seoul’s alliance with Washington in a CNN interview Wednesday, downplaying recent trade frictions and welcoming U.S. President Donald Trump to Asia as a “peacemaker.”
Lee said the U.S.–ROK partnership remains “the cornerstone of stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific,” adding that both governments are “aligned on deterrence, denuclearization, and resilient supply chains.” He acknowledged lingering concerns among Korean exporters over U.S. industrial and tech policies but framed them as “manageable through dialogue.”
“We have differences on trade mechanics from time to time,” Lee said, “but our shared strategic interests are larger than any single dispute.”
Calling Trump’s upcoming regional tour “an opportunity to lower tensions,” Lee said he hopes talks will “reduce miscalculation risks” and “open channels” with Pyongyang, while reaffirming that sanctions enforcement and extended deterrence remain intact.
South Korean officials said the two sides will spotlight cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals, and clean energy, as well as expanded trilateral security coordination with Japan. Humanitarian issues, including abductees and family reunions, are also on Seoul’s agenda.
“The alliance adapts because it is rooted in values and results,” Lee said. “Our message is simple: peace through strength, prosperity through partnership.”
