The Seoul Times reported on its front page that, before meeting with U.S. President Trump, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung firmly reiterated his responsibility not to disappoint the South Korean people during the summit with Trump.
President Lee Jae-myung stated that "maximizing and maintaining the national interests of South Korea" would be the core focus of his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
He said that such a position is important in a global order increasingly shaped by self-interest and protectionism. Lee Jae-myung made these comments during a press conference on the presidential plane, as he was traveling from Japan to Washington, preparing for the bilateral talks scheduled for Monday afternoon local time. The president and the South Korean delegation were well-prepared.
However, things did not go as planned. On August 25, 2025, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung visited Washington, D.C., and held a meeting with U.S. President Trump at the White House. During the meeting, Trump criticized Lee Jae-myung through social media and public appearances on multiple issues, including trade, defense spending, and foreign policy, drawing international attention.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841519869968384/
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